Victim-Witness Outreach

Historically the Victim-Witness Assistance Program has coordinated annual events intended to raise awareness of Victim-Witness services and crime-related issues. Annually, they make nearly 100 presentations.

	Bike Ride Against Drinking Drivers. "Don't Drink and Drive" the theme. For ten years the District Attorney's Office sponsored the Annual Bike Ride to build awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. Riders rode bikes from Alameda Padre Serra Park down State Street to Fess Parker's Doubletree Hotel. The ride was followed by a rally at the hotel, which included several speakers. The event was sponsored by many local businesses who donated refreshments and raffle prizes. Although there was a festive mood to the event, an appearance by DUI victims, such as Jackie Antles and her moving story, quickly reminded everyone just how vulnerable drivers and riders are to drunk drivers.
	Domestic Violence Awareness Concert. In October of 1998, in conjunction with the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, the Victim-Witness Unit held its first awareness rising concert at a local restaurant. The proceeds of this concert are going to an expansive outreach campaign geared at reaching domestic violence victims in targeted areas of the City of Santa Barbara who are unaware of the resources available for Battered Women and Children. This also has become a highly successful annual event.
	State Street Mile. In June of 2002, Victim-Witness staff and volunteers held their third one-mile race in downtown Santa Barbara known as the State Street Mile featuring age-group categories, a Family Fun Mile, a Law Enforcement Mile, and an Elite Mile. The event attracted over 300 runners and raised $4,000 for the Crime Victim Emergency Fund. In addition to the community involvement, television, radio and newspaper coverage of the mile contributed to an increase in community awareness of Victim-Witness Services.
	Educational Outreach. The Victim-Witness Unit continues to be active in the area of Educational Outreach. The unit averages around 40 presentations annually. Also, in response to growing caseloads, the Victim-Witness Assistance Program added additional staff in the Santa Maria and Lompoc offices. The program currently employs six full-time and four half-time Victim Advocates countywide. Six of the Victim-Witness Advocates are bilingual, thereby meeting the needs of the growing population of Spanish speakers in our community.