Crime Relief Emergency Relief Fund Will Help Victims of Violent Crime April 5, 2006 By KELLY WHEELER City News Service Photo by Zwink.com SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Victims of violent crime in San Diego will be able to get immediate help thanks to a partnership program unveiled today by District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and other community leaders. The San Diego Victims Emergency Relief Fund will steer aid to people right after they've been victimized, instead of making them wait for restitution from the state, Dumanis said. The program will be Chairman Bill Horn, County Board of Supervisors, Council Woman Nubia Ruiz; Bill Geppert, GM, Cox Communications, Bill Hosie, Cubic Corporation; San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. funded by private donations. San Diego-based Cubic Corp., Cox Communications and the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation contributed $110,000 to get the program started. "Many victims need just basic necessities,'' Dumanis said. "In many cases, the victims don't have any money.'' The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to create the emergency fund. Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Horn said victims of violent crime are often overlooked. "Their lives are disrupted by a tragedy,'' Horn said. Under the program, emergency funds can be attained before a claim is filed with the state to recoup money. "Victims of crime need help immediately,'' said Nubia Ruiz, councilmember of the Kumeyaay Nation. "With this fund, they can get this help right away.'' Cox Communications also agreed to air 30-second public service announcements describing the emergency relief fund, Dumanis said. Cindy Charlebois, director of the District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program, said the program will make a tremendous difference because victims of violent crime sometimes have to wait up to three months to get money from the state. Under the emergency relief program, victims can get assistance in 24 to 48 hours, Charlebois said. Administrators will attempt to help everyone who has been a victim of violent crime, she said. " All victims are important,'' Charlebois said. "When it happens to you, it's severe.'' The announcement was made as officials kicked off Crime Victims Rights Month. Anyone wishing to donate may call (866) 755-hope or donate online at www.helpcrimevictims.org .

Back to Top