Board designates National Crime Victims' Rights Week as local advocates warn of federal VOCA cuts

District Attorney Jesse Wilson asked the Board to designate April as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Nevada County and to highlight local victim‑service programs. Wilson described the county DA victim‑witness program (three full‑time advocates and a part‑time advocate) and said the office provided services to 1,237 victims in 2023.

Speakers from partner organizations outlined service expansions and funding challenges. Lori Nunnick, the DA’s senior victim advocate, described a mass‑victimization response plan funded through Cal OES and a newly approved county court companion‑dog program for children who must testify. Nicole McNeely, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), said Nevada County’s CASA serves every youth in dependency court locally and is working to offset pending federal and state funding cuts.

Multiple nonprofit presenters noted a recent reduction in VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding they reported as a 43% cut, which one agency estimated could translate to a roughly 30% budget reduction for some local providers; board members pledged to help advocate for restored funding. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution designating National Crime Victims' Rights Week and thanked partners for their work and for planned community events tied to outreach and fundraising.