Victims of crime push for better support in California

Over 200 survivors of violent crimes and families who lost loved ones are converging on California’s state capitol this week. Their mission? To push for quicker, more accessible financial support—a system that currently fails those who need it most.

The Reality of a Broken System

The road to justice is long, and for many, the support that should help them recover never arrives. Bridgett Montoya, a survivor shot while walking in Southern California, spent nearly a month in the hospital—including a week in a coma. Despite the state’s promise of aid for medical bills and therapy, her application was denied.

"A lot of us don’t get help and end up struggling," she says. Now, she’s speaking out to change the rules—before others face the same impossible barriers.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Experts reveal a harsh truth: only about a third of victims’ applications are approved, leaving thousands in financial ruin. Last year, $45 million in aid went unspent—not because there wasn’t a need, but because of bureaucratic red tape and missing paperwork.

Survivors can’t afford to wait months for relief. They need it now.

Beyond the Money: A Fight for Dignity

This isn’t just about funds—it’s about trust. Advocates argue the system should believe victims instead of rejecting claims over technicalities. And here’s the irony: the money comes from criminals paying restitution, meaning unspent funds could have helped more people recover sooner.

A Call to Action

On Tuesday at 9 a.m., survivors and advocates will march from Sacramento’s Fremont Park to the capitol steps, demanding lawmakers: ✔ Simplify the approval process ✔ Approve claims faster ✔ Trust victims’ experiences over paperwork

Even those who’ve given up on personal help are fighting for a system that works for everyone.

The message is clear: Justice delayed is justice denied.