If you are a survivor of abuse, crime, or professional misconduct in California, this page connects you with your rights, complaint pathways, and available support systems.
🚫 This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or reach out to a crisis hotline listed on our Support and Help page. While we strive to provide accurate, current information, laws and agency procedures may change. Always verify details directly with official sources or consult a licensed attorney in your area.
📜 Your Rights Under California Law
California provides a constitutional Victims’ Bill of Rights under Marsy’s Law, which includes:
- The right to be treated with dignity, respect, and protection
- The right to be notified of and heard during public proceedings
- The right to restitution
- The right to confer with prosecutors
- The right to protection from the accused
🔗 California Attorney General – Victim Services
📏 Public Records & Documentation
As a victim in California, you may request:
- Police reports and incident records
- 911 call recordings
- Body cam or dash cam footage
- Court records and case files
💡 Tip: Reference the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and be specific with dates, locations, and names. Always keep copies.
🏥 Requesting Medical Records
Under both HIPAA and California law, you have the right to request:
- Your own medical records
- Records of a minor child (if you’re the legal guardian)
- Records of a deceased person (with legal authority)
🔗 California Department of Public Health – Medical Records Info
🔗 How to File a HIPAA Complaint
🤝 Reporting Licensed Healthcare Providers
Medical Board of California (Physicians):
https://www.mbc.ca.gov
California Board of Registered Nursing:
https://www.rn.ca.gov
Board of Behavioral Sciences (Therapists, Counselors, Social Workers):
https://www.bbs.ca.gov
Department of Consumer Affairs:
https://www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaints/consumer.shtml
OCR HIPAA Violations:
https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf
⚠️ Document all interactions and keep backup copies of your complaint and correspondence.
💰 Victim Compensation in California
California offers a robust compensation program through CalVCB for victims of violent crime. Covered expenses may include:
- Medical and dental treatment
- Mental health counseling
- Income loss or support
- Relocation expenses
- Funeral or burial costs
Eligibility Basics:
- Report the crime to law enforcement within 5 days (exceptions apply)
- Cooperate with police and prosecutors
- Apply within 7 years of the crime or 3 years after a minor turns 18
🔗 California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)
📞 CalVCB Help Line: 1-800-777-9229
VOCA-Funded Services in California
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) administers VOCA grants for local victim support programs.
🔗 California VOCA Program – Cal OES
📞 Cal OES Victim Services Division: (916) 845-8200
You are not alone, and you are not without options. The Novel Advocate is here to help you connect, document, and protect your path forward.
