Victim Witness Assistance Program, Santa Cruz County

The mission of the Victim/Witness Program is to inform, assist, and support victims of violent crime in their interactions with the criminal justice system, and to protect their rights in a manner no less vigorous than the protection afforded to criminal defendants.

Victims will be treated with dignity and respect to reduce the trauma and insensitive treatment that can be experienced in the aftermath of a crime. We will also work to improve the system's understanding of the needs of crime victims and their families.