Survivor Center

The Survivor Center is dedicated to transforming the way the criminal legal system supports survivors of crime. Our approach is unique: we believe that true reform must include both survivors and defendants. A system that prioritizes punitive responses to crime inherently decenters survivors – and we believe we must change that. Through training, technical assistance, and research, we address issues impacting victims of crime. The Survivor Center is a resource for advocates, prosecutors, and allies committed to centering survivors in the work towards meaningful reform.

We welcome you to become a member of the Prosecutors Alliance to stay up to date on upcoming trainings and resources.

Survivor Voices: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How Can California Better Serve Victims of Crime

Our 2022 report surveyed 711 survivors who shared their experiences in listening sessions, interviews, and surveys. They told us what worked, what didn’t, and what help they needed most to recover from the trauma of victimization. “Survivor Voices” gives us a blueprint – directly from survivors – of how to improve support for victims.

2 out of 3 crime victims received no help from the criminal justice system.

Just 61% of crime survivors were offered compensation after victimization.

41% of survivors said they needed emotional support after victimization.

TRAINING

The Prosecutors Alliance provides free virtual Survivor Center trainings on the first Tuesday of every month. These trainings provide victim advocates, prosecutors, and allies the knowledge and tools to effectively support survivors of crime. CA MCLE credit may be available.

Check out our Survivor Center training schedule below and register for upcoming events. You can see our full list of upcoming trainings on our calendar.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Dec

Training: Dual Tragedies – Intimate Partner Homicide-Suicides with a Firearm

2024-12-03 12:00 PM - 2024-12-03 01:30 PM

Online Event

Survivor Center Training

Trauma Responsive Training Certificate

The Prosecutors Alliance Trauma Responsive Training Certificate was created to equip victim advocates with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively with individuals and communities who have experienced trauma through crime victimization with compassion and expertise. There is currently no other training curriculum focused specifically on helping victim advocates understand the impact of trauma on crime victims, the application of trauma-responsive strategies in victim services, and preventative care for victim advocates at risk for secondary trauma. The training program consists of five weeks of training, each week focusing on a different aspect of trauma response and care.

If you’d like to receive more information about future Trauma Responsive Training Certificate courses, please email our Survivor Center Director Robyn Sordelett. You can also sign up for our emails by becoming a member of the Prosecutors Alliance.

“This training gave me ideas on how to understand what a victim/survivor might be thinking after an incident and what I can do to help empower them and give them their sense of safety back.”

“I am forever grateful for having had the opportunity to take this course and gain knowledge that I will be able to use as I move forward in my career.”

“Shifting my focus to starting from an assumption that the victim’s response is coming from a place of trauma will help me to be a much stronger advocate.”

“I am now more aware of the myriad of responses someone can have to trauma. This information will help me be more mindful of the ways I can remove barriers for clients.”

RESOURCE LIST

We’ve compiled a list of national organizations that provide information, support, and other services for victims, survivors, and their loved ones.

Questions?

Contact Robyn Sordelett, Survivor Center Director