District Attorney’s Office Awarded Violence Against Women Vertical Prosecution Grant

By Redaccion
[email protected]

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has been selected to receive funding through the Violence Against Women Vertical Prosecution Program of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the application and acceptance of the grant funds.

The $202,545 grant will partially fund two positions in the District Attorney’s Office, a Deputy District Attorney III and a Victim Advocate II. The presence of an experienced vertically assigned prosecution team significantly benefits victims. The District Attorney’s Office has been committed to vertical prosecution of domestic violence and sexual assault cases since 2002.

“Vertical prosecution results in a comprehensive, victim-centered approach that improves access to justice,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We see the benefits in our case management and in the overall response to violence against women within the criminal justice system.”

Vertical prosecution is when a prosecutor and a victim advocate are assigned to a case from the initial filing of charges through sentencing. This collaborative effort serves both the victim and community because the impact of a dedicated vertical prosecution team is shown to result in more consistent sentences and reduced recidivism rates. Additionally, by collaborating closely with professionals at the Family Justice Center, the assigned prosecutor and victim advocate will be able to ensure a coordinated response to violent offenses against women.

The Cal OES grant will provide funding for the vertical prosecution team through the end of 2024.