As we join the nation in mourning, our hearts and minds are heavy with the knowledge that many of our local friends and families were profoundly impacted by the tragic and senseless events that occurred in Las Vegas on Oct. 1. The District Attorney’s Office has dedicated advocates who are specially trained and available to provide practical assistance as well as emotional support to victims in need.
Victim advocates are available to assist with many services, including the filing of a Victims of Crime Compensation Claim application to help pay for a variety of related expenses. Victims may receive compensation for medical and dental treatment, mental health services, income loss, funeral and burial expenses, loss of support for dependents when a victim is killed or disabled, home or vehicle modifications, home security and relocation.
Some psychological or physical injuries may manifest themselves weeks, months or years later, so it is important for victims to file these forms now to preserve access should they be needed in the future.
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, it is important to remember that trauma surfaces in individuals in different ways and at different times. Reactions to trauma can include exhaustion, confusion, sadness, anxiety, agitation, disassociation, fatigue, nightmares, flashbacks and depression, in addition to a long list of physical ailments.
I encourage you to contact the District Attorney’s Crime Victim’s Assistance Program at 805-654-3622 if you or a loved one suffered any harm as a result of this senseless shooting.
Gregory D. Totten, Ventura County district attorney