Hear Us Yolo; a coalition of brave victims and survivors who have come together through tragedy to advocate for the voice of the victim on a local, state and national level. The purpose of Hear Us YOLO is to empower survivors in educating the public about victimization, terminology and resources. Putting victim awareness and issues on the forefront. To support victims and survivors through the criminal justice system and through law changes that impact sentencings of criminals, to communicate with the media in a way that survivors of crime are taken seriously and to lead victims through the difficult and ongoing process of reaching a survivor status.
“I strongly support balanced criminal justice reform that reduces recidivism and advances public safety — and this can only be accomplished when crime victims are a fundamental part of the process, when their voices are heard and their rights upheld,” said DA Jeff Reisig. “This is why providing steadfast victims advocacy ranks high on my office’s Bill of Values, and why we created Hear Us Yolo.”
The coalition includes collaborations with Crime Victims United and other agencies to help victims become survivors. In its formative stage, Hear Us Yolo will encompass multiple forms of advocacy to include social media, education, legislation, and restorative justice that features the journey of the crime victim and survivor in the criminal justice system. With the direction of Crime Victims United and District Attorney Advocates, member duties will include: Commemorative month community awareness; Community building; Public Speaking; Advocacy; Display and Community Outreach; Community Education; Identifying gaps in victim services and Media Outreach, Member strengths will be taken into account when establishing committee participation.
“Over 831 new crimes were committed in Yolo County by people released from jail as a result of the zero-bail order — and this is just for zero bail — including crimes of attempted murder, assaults, robberies, domestic violence and weapons charges,” said Harriet Salarno, chair of Crime Victims United, part of the new Hear Us Yolo coalition. “And for each of these crimes, there is at least one victim. And they deserve to be heard.”
“Nobody plans to be a victim of crime, but once you are, you enter an unwanted journey of healing. A victim’s healing journey is that of growing from a place of victimization to survival and ultimately to thriving. While a person has had no choice about being victimized, they have a choice about growing through these healing stages.” Stated Victim Services Program Manager, Laura Valdes. “Survivors of crime find themselves in a very lonely space during the processing of criminal trauma. This group provides the ability to make a change in victim rights and issues with others who have also been victimized and have managed to assimilate their “new normal.”
“We’re committed to seeking innovative ways to be responsive to the ever-changing needs of this county, and Hear Us Yolo will be yet another opportunity for this office to protect, advocate for and serve — in this case, for those who have experienced the life-changing effects of crime,” said Reisig.
Hear us Yolo is accepting applications. Applications may be submitted to laura.valdes@yolocounty.org. Applicants for membership, MUST be survivors of Yolo County crimes. 16 Years old, with parental consent. Meetings will be held once a month and participants will be invited, once their application has been screened for approval by other survivor members. This group in survivor driven and supported by the DA.
Hear Us Yolo Application Bio Interest Form
