Victim Witness Assistance Division
The Victim Witness Assistance Division of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting individuals impacted by crime. Our mission is to support and empower crime victims & witnesses. Advocates help reduce the trauma of victimization, protect victims’ rights, and connect survivors and witnesses to the services and support they need to reclaim their well-being, safety, and voice.
Our trained and experienced Victim Advocates guide clients through every stage of the criminal justice process. Advocates serve as liaisons between victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community-based providers, from initial reports through case resolution. All services are offered free of charge and are available to all crime victims and witnesses, regardless of immigration status, income, language, or background.
Available Services to Support Victims and Witnesses of Crime
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Crisis-Response Services
Trained Advocates provide emotional support, safety planning, and guidance during and right after a crime.
Court Accompaniment
Advocates provide accompaniment and navigation for court proceedings.
Personalized Safety Planning
Experienced Advocates offer culturally knowledgeable and compassionate guidance to victims of interpersonal violence, elder abuse, and hate crimes.
Emergency Services
Short-term support with food, clothing, transportation, and basic needs.
Dedicated Advocates for Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, and People with Disabilities
Specialized support from Advocates trained to respond on sensitive cases such as domestic violence, elder abuse, and disability related challenges, ensuring culturally aware support.
Navigation Support for Protective Orders
Support understanding and navigating the process of filing for a restraining order.
Family Notification & Employer Outreach
At the request of the victim, Advocates may provide notification to family members and employers regarding court proceedings.
U/T Visa Assistance
Advocates provide referrals to immigration legal service agencies and, in cases where they were assigned prior to adjudication and had direct contact with the victim, may issue letters of support for U or T visa applications upon request by the victim or their attorney.
Understand Your Rights & Get Justice
Victims’ Bill of Rights
Advocates explain key rights guaranteed by California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights (Marsy’s Law), including the right to be heard and informed.
Victim Compensation Board Application Assistance (CalVCB)
Advocates help complete CalVCB benefit applications for crime-related expenses like medical bills, wage loss, relocation, counseling and funeral/burial costs.
Restitution Assistance
The DA Restitution Unit obtains court-ordered restitution from offenders. Advocates can guide victims with restitution requests.
Case Status & Criminal Justice Navigation
Receive a detailed orientation to the criminal court process and regular case updates from your assigned Advocate.
Assistance with Victim Impact Statements
Receive help preparing a statement for a sentencing hearing to express to the court how the crime impacted you.
Support for Human Trafficking Survivors
Specialized services for individuals impacted by labor or sex trafficking, including connections to trauma-informed providers and legal advocacy.
Rebuild & Recover with Support
Resource and Referral Assistance
Advocates provide connection to county and community- based services for shelters, legal aid, counseling, and culturally specific needs.
Specialized Advocacy
Our dedicated Advocates focus on sensitive cases such as domestic violence, elder abuse, and disability related challenges, ensuring culturally aware support.
Multilingual Access
Language assistance and interpretation are available in multiple languages to meet the needs of our diverse community.
Family Justice Center
Alameda County Family Justice Center offers onsite community-based services for survivors of interpersonal violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and elder abuse.
Trauma Recovery Center
Specialized therapeutic resources for victims of interpersonal violence and sexual assault.
Emergency Relocation Referrals
Connections to partners who can assist with relocating victims facing ongoing safety risks.
Property Return
Help retrieving personal property held as evidence once the criminal case concludes.
Trauma-Informed Counseling Referrals
Referrals to trusted mental health providers trained to work with survivors of crime and violence.
Contact Information
Victim Witness Assistance Division
1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 802
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 272-6180
Email: askvw-da@acgov.org