California’s victim advocacy network
Established in 1982, CCVAA trains advocates, shapes statewide policy, and strengthens victim services across California.
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:
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.
- NorthernRegion 01
- ValleyRegion 02
- BayRegion 03
- CoastalRegion 04
- SouthernRegion 05
CCVAA is also split into five regions to focus on more local needs:
Board of Directors
CCVAA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the association’s voting membership.
Shanna Meirer
- Position:
- Board of Director
- Victim Witness Program Coordinator
- Location:
- Kings County District Attorney’s Office
Darby Geller, MSW
- Position:
- Board of Director
- Victim Witness Program Manager
- Location:
- Sacramento County District Attorney's Office
Tasia Wiggins
- Position:
- Board of Director
- Director, Victim Services
- Location:
- Office of the District Attorney, County of Santa Clara
Angie Mellis
- Position:
- Board of Director
- Program Manager for Crime Victim Assistance Center
- Location:
- Shasta 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
Linda Peña
- Position:
- Board of Director
- Director of Victim Services Division
- Location:
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Alma Sanchez
- Position:
- Board of Director
- Victim Witness Assistance Program Manager
- Location:
- Monterey County District Attorney’s Office
Jennifer Lightfoot
- Position:
- Director of Victim Services
- Sergeant-at-Arms
- Location:
- Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare
Kathleen Cady
- Position:
- Director of Bureau of Victim Services
- Secretary
- Location:
- Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Flerida Alarcón
- Position:
- Chief of Victim Services
- Treasurer
- Location:
- San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office
Vacant
- Position:
- Vice President
- Location:
Melissa Donaldson
- Position:
- Director of Division of Victim Services
- President
- Location:
- Riverside County District Attorney’s Office
Board of Directors
CCVAA is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors elected by the association’s voting membership.
The Board holds the following officer roles:
- President
- The President leads association meetings, appoints committee members, and represents CCVAA in its official capacity.
- First Vice-President
- The First Vice-President serves in place of the President when the President is unavailable.
- Second Vice-President
- The Second Vice-President serves in place of the First Vice-President when needed and chairs the Nominating Committee.
- Secretary
- The Secretary maintains meeting minutes and official records, serves as custodian of the association’s records and seal, and routes correspondence and reports for the Board.
- Treasurer
- The Treasurer prepares and files required financial statements and reports.
- Sergeant-at-Arms
- The Sergeant-at-Arms maintains order during association meetings and carries out additional duties assigned by the President.
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.
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.
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.