In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) hosted a victims’ service hybrid event in partnership with University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law California Victim Resource Center yesterday.
The event, Stronger Together: Uniting for Victims’ Rights and Support, brought together several California agencies and community service providers. Virtually and in person, they discussed supporting survivors of crimes while promoting awareness of their legal rights and available resources.
Participants included representatives from the California Governor’s Office, California Office of Emergency Services, Victim Compensation Board, and other agencies.
Panel discussions at event
Panel discussions during the event featured agency representatives touching on ways to strengthen victims’ services. Discussions also focused on listening to victims and how community outreach can help improve service accessibility. Speakers also highlighted alternative paths to justice for victims including OVSRS restorative programs, conflict resolution services and connection to supportive community partners.
“Victims and their families remain central to CDCR’s systems and practices,” said CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson. “Everyday at CDCR, we are working to make sure victims’ rights are protected and respected when they engage with our department.”
In closing remarks, OVSRS Chief Mariam El-Menshawi emphasized being proactive in giving victims a voice in the legislative space. She also explained how collaboration is critical to serving and protecting victims. Connecting to the 2026 theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims. Serve communities,” she called upon attendees to think about what more can be done within the victims’ service community.
OVSRS helps people impacted by crime – whether it be crime victims, survivors and their families – to enforce their rights and access services, including opportunities to participate in parole hearings, as well as collect restitution and other services. In 2025, OVSRS was in contact with more than 40,000 victims and victims’ families – resulting in thousands of victims being able to share their stories at offender parole hearings, as well as oversight of more than 132,000 incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons paying direct orders of restitution.
Story by Kamarri Dates, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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