Victim Witness Assistance Center, Santa Cruz County

05/20/2026

We are asking our community to help support AB 1902 by sending a letter to legislators in support of this important bill inspired by the case of Maddy Middleton.

AB 1902 aims to strengthen protections for victims and communities by improving the process for reviewing dangerous juvenile offenders before release.

Please take a moment to read and share this article and help make your voice heard by sending a letter of support.

Read article here: https://lookout.co/pellerin-authored-bill-inspired-by-murder-of-maddy-middleton-makes-headway-in-legislature/story

Here is a link to submit your letters of support directly: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/supportab1902?source=direct_link

A bill authored by California Assemblymember Gail Pellerin in response to the 2015 murder of Santa Cruz 8-year-old Madyson Middleton passed its first legislative hurdle last week. “This isn’t just about Maddy and Santa Cruz,” her mother told Lookout. “It’s about protecting all of Californi...

05/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Candlelight Vigil last week. Your presence made the evening truly meaningful as we came together to honor and remember those impacted by crime.

Please take a moment to view and share these photos 💜

04/21/2026

This week, in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, our office has created a memorial table honoring victims whose lives were taken due to crime.

Each name represents a life that was loved, valued, and is deeply missed. We invite our community to take a moment to reflect, remember, and stand with the families and loved ones who continue to carry that loss.

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program remains committed to supporting victims and advocating for justice.

04/03/2026

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

At the Victim Witness Assistance Program, we are committed to supporting and protecting children and families in our community.

We encourage you to wear blue this month and help raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference. 💙

04/02/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month 💙

This month is about supporting survivors, raising awareness, and standing together as a community.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:
• Monarch Services – Watsonville: (831) 722-4532
• Monarch Services – Santa Cruz: (831) 425-4030
• 24-Hour Crisis Line (DV, Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking): 1-888-900-4232
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Ways to show support this month:
• Wear Teal Day – April 7
Wear teal to stand with survivors and help start conversations

• Denim Day – April 29
Wear denim in solidarity with survivors

Your support makes a difference 💙

04/01/2026

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program invites you to attend a Candlelight Vigil in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

📅 April 22, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA

Join us as we come together to honor victims of crime and support our community.

10/03/2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Often, it happens behind closed doors where no one can see.

This month, we stand with survivors, remember those we've lost and continue working to break the silence and end the violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. There is strength in speaking up and support is here when you're ready.

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-awareness-month/

09/12/2025

September is National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month.
Everyone deserves support, especially in their hardest moments. We’re here to listen, connect, and help.
You are not alone.

📞 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

09/11/2025

Today we honor and remember the lives lost on 09/11/2001. We stand with the survivors, the families of the fallen, and the first responders whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us. We will never forget.

06/27/2025

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Below is a statement from the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. As the District Attorney Jeff Rosell said, "Elder abuse often goes unnoticed, but families can help prevent it
with a simple call or visit to elderly loved ones. When abuse is suspected, it’s critical to report it."

At the Victim Witness Assistance Program, we’re here to support victims and connect families with the resources they need. If you suspect something isn’t right, trust your instincts and speak up.

🔗 https://elderjusticeandeducation.org/get-involved/elder-abuse-awareness-month/