The mission of the San Benito County Victim Witness Assistance Program is to provide services to victims/witnesses of violent crimes; reduce the trauma that victims/witnesses may experience in the wake of crime; improve the criminal justice system’s understanding of the needs of victims and witnesses and empower victims to participate in the administration of justice; educate law enforcement officials and all other criminal justice personnel, to the needs of victims; assure that victims as witnesses are informed of the progress of the case in which they are involved; empower victims to recover from the effects of crimes through crisis intervention and related support services; provide assistance to victims of crime in applying for state compensation and in seeking restitution.
Program Information General Description of what students will be doing at this Site: The purpose of the Victim Witness Assistance Program is to provide comprehensive services to victims and or witnesses of all types of violent crime pursuant to California Penal Code 13835 in each of California's 58 counties. Students will be learning about the criminal justice system and its impact on victims of crime. Specifically, they will learn about mandatory and optional services available to victims of violent crimes including assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, crimes against children, domestic violence, elder abuse, DUI with injury/death, and homicide. Some of the projects the program is currently working on and may become assigned to the student may include the development of outreach materials such as program brochures and leaflet information, human trafficking enforcement program, assisting victims in obtaining civil restraining orders, including day to day operations such as answering questions,
Key Responsibilities: Learn to analyze and interpret laws and regulations related to victim/witness services. Gather, organize, analyze and present a variety of data and information. Communicate with others from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Assist with development of community referral resources for the Victim Witness Assistance Program. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Desired Intern Characteristics: Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check. Ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality.
Special Considerations: Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Interprofessional opportunities available for the student: The ability to work with colleagues such as the district attorney, deputy district attorneys, investigators, law enforcement, court personnel, social service and community based partners.
CHHS Major Learning Outcomes (MLOs) that the student will be exposed to:
- Collaboration
- Cross Cultural Competency
- Knowledge of Health & Human Services (SW or CH)
- Personal & Professional Communication
There are several training opportunities available throughout the year including day trainings in neighboring cities/counties, in house trainings, and webinars.