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About CCVAA

California’s victim advocacy network

Established in 1982, CCVAA trains advocates, shapes statewide policy, and strengthens victim services across California.

A large group of advocates gather for a photo, representing CCVAA's statewide network.

What is CCVAA?

The California Crime Victims Assistance Association (CCVAA) is the only criminal justice systems-based victim advocacy network in California. Founded in 1982, we train Victim/Witness Advocates, advance public policy, and strengthen victim services statewide through professional development and collaboration with local, state, and national partners.

CCVAA provides state-mandated training for Victim/Witness Advocates under California Penal Code §13835.10 and supports advocates preparing to respond to mass violence and casualty events. Working alongside Cal OES and the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (PC §13835.10), we help ensure advocates are prepared to serve victims throughout California.

Beyond training, CCVAA advances public policy and legislative advocacy to strengthen victims’ rights, improve systems, and elevate the voice of victim service professionals statewide.

Statewide structure

Our membership represents the Victim/Witness Assistance Centers established under California Penal Code §13835.5, forming the backbone of California's victim support infrastructure.

These centers are operated through diverse institutional partnerships:

57 centers operated by District Attorney's Offices

1 center operated by probation

1 center operated by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

View center directory
Statewide Network

Regions

CCVAA is made up of victim advocates across the state just like you. Our diverse members are the driving force behind the association's mission.

Membership is open to anyone who provides services to victims and witnesses of all types of crime along with the four United States Attorney Districts in California.

CCVAA is also split into five regions to focus on more local needs:

  • Northern
  • Bay
  • Coastal
  • Valley
  • Southern
Governance

Board of Directors

CCVAA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the association’s voting membership.

  • Melissa Donaldson

    Position:
    President
    Director of Division of Victim Services
    Location:
    Riverside County District Attorney’s Office

  • Vacant

    Position:
    Vice President

  • Flerida Alarcón

    Position:
    Treasurer
    Chief of Victim Services
    Location:
    San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office

  • Kathleen Cady

    Position:
    Secretary
    Director of Bureau of Victim Services
    Location:
    Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

  • Jennifer Lightfoot

    Position:
    Sergeant-at-Arms
    Director of Victim Services
    Location:
    Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare

  • Alma Sanchez

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Victim Witness Assistance Program Manager
    Location:
    Monterey County District Attorney’s Office

  • Linda Peña

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Director of Victim Services Division
    Location:
    San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

  • Laura Espindola

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Manager of the Victim Witness Assistance Program
    Location:
    Office of the District Attorney, County of Santa Cruz

  • Angie Mellis

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Program Manager for Crime Victim Assistance Center
    Location:
    Shasta County District Attorney’s Office

  • Tasia Wiggins

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Director – Victim Services
    Location:
    Office of the District Attorney, County of Santa Clara

  • Darby Geller, MSW

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Victim Witness Program Manager
    Location:
    Sacramento County District Attorney's Office

  • Shanna Meier

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Victim Witness Program Coordinator
    Location:
    Kings County District Attorney’s Office

  • Erin Harper

    Position:
    Board of Director
    Victim Witness Program Manager
    Location:
    Napa County District Attorney’s Office

  • Jenifer Mello

    Position:
    Victim/Witness Division Co-Director
    Location:
    Alameda County District Attorney’s Office

  • Kelli Sage

    Position:
    Victim/Witness Division Co-Director
    Location:
    Alameda County District Attorney’s Office

  • Lusero Arias

    Position:
    Victim Services Division Manager
    Location:
    San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office
Statewide action

Statewide committees

Committees carry out CCVAA's mission by shaping training initiatives, sharing information with allied organizations to protect victims' rights, and advising on legislation affecting Victim/Witness programs statewide.

  • Victim Compensation Committee

    The Victim Compensation Committee collaborates with the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB) to advocate for fair compensation for crime victims and for the association’s interests. The committee updates members on its activities and addresses policies and procedures affecting victims and Victim/Witness Assistance Centers.

    Committee Chair

    • Tatiana Lopez

    • Jeanette Hunter

  • Legislative and Public Policy Committee

    The Legislative and Public Policy Committee tracks relevant legislation, recommends positions, and serves as a liaison on issues affecting victim services in California. The committee collaborates with key stakeholders to shape laws and policies aligned with victims’ rights.

    Committee Chair

    • Erin Harper

  • Training Committee

    The Training Committee fulfills the mandates of PC §13835.10 by collaborating with Cal OES and the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) to standardize statewide training programs that meet professional benchmarks. The committee also provides technical assistance for local Mass Casualty Response Plans and advocate training in county jurisdictions.

    Committee Chair

    • Katie Gilbertson