Marsy’s Law – Proposition 9

THE VICTIMS’ BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2008

On November 4, 2008, the People of the State of California approved Proposition 9, the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law. This measure amends the California Constitution to provide additional rights to victims.

This sheet contains specific sections of the Victims’ Bill of Rights and resources. Crime victims may obtain additional information regarding Marcy’s Law and local Victim Witness Assistance Center information by contacting the Victims of Violent Crime Resource Center at 1-800-VICTIMS or 1-800-842-8467.

A ‘victim’ is defined under the California Constitution as, “a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term ‘victim’ also includes the person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian, and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, a minor, or physically of psychologically incapacitated. The term ‘victim’ does not include a person in custody for an offense, the accused, or a person whom the court finds would not act in the best interest of a minor victim.” (Cal. Const., art. 1, 28(e).)

Local Resources and Support Groups:

Your local Victim Witness Assistance Center can provide advocacy and specific information on local resources, the Victim Compensation Program, and support groups.  To obtain information on the Victim Witness Assistance Center nearest you contact:

California Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit, 1-877-433-9069

California Statewide and National Resources:

The following are some of the resources available to victims and their families. This is not an exhaustive list. The Attorney General offers these references for informational purposes only.

• California Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit 1 (877) 433-9069
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services 1 (800) 256-6877
• Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network 1 (800) 656-HOPE
• California Partnership to End Domestic Violence 1 (800) 524-4765
• Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1 (800) 843-5678
• National Center for Victims of Crime 1 (800) 394-2255
• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-7233

Victim Compensation Program:

The Victim Compensation Program can help pay for: Medical/Dental Bills, Mental Health Counseling, Funeral Cost, Relocation, Crime Scene Cleanup, Loss of Income.

For more information, please contact:

California Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit 1 (877) 433-9069