Restitution does not erase or undo the harm victims have suffered, but it is a key aspect of accountability and can significantly aid survivors as they reconstruct their lives following a traumatic event.

Just as an incarcerated person’s actions can harm victims, a life dedicated to making amends can facilitate healing for survivors. San Quentin’s Civic Engagement Group modeled that contention in collaboration with San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, by drawing a proposal that identified a crucial gap in services for victims of crime.

“Victims are entitled to get something and they should not have to file to the court. The burden of crime should not be placed on them and the court system does not outright help them,” resident Charles Sabbath said. “This bill will help bring comfort if something happens to them.”

Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly member C. Stefani’s bill, AB 1213, the Restitution First Act, which was based on CEG’s proposal, into law. Prior to this legislation, victims of crime had to go through a long, arduous process to receive restitution. The law prioritizes financial restitution payments to victims of crime over any other fines, fees, or debts.

“This bill is intended to ensure that victims are restored, but also that those offenders can have the chance to make amends,” Jenkins said.

Resident Jonathan Huynh said offenders’ rights are protected, but that victims have few resources to ensure prioritization of their rights and the repair of harm done. He said CEG reached out to victims rights groups and held victim dialogues to address concerns about lack of support.

“A victim’s first bill puts the resources available for victims back into their hands. SFDA Jenkins and her office go above and beyond expectations to protect victims and help them recover their lives and dignity,” Huynh said.

Recognizing the importance of supporting victims and safeguarding their rights necessitates action, which could help restore trust in our nation’s criminal justice processes.

“Monetary compensation may be just the starting point to healing. Healing comes through not being burdened by something, especially when it was not their fault. There has to be help outside of just accountability,” Sabbath said.

Several San Quentin residents have said there is little-to-no support for victims and have dedicated their time to helping victims recover and restoring their dignity outside of state-mandated restitution.

“I believe institutions do not offer enough support for victims, and most often the resources available are not clear after sentencing,” resident Vantwan Mays said.

Mays said there should be a greater focus on what each individual needs to repair what was broken and to move toward healing, whether it is therapy, financial restitution, or other support.

“A bill like this is important because restitution is a priority. It is more than it being about money; it is about them feeling like they have support they can rely on,” Mays said. “We as offenders may not get a chance to provide restitution directly, so court-mandated compensation and living-amends are important.”

Mays said that through deep introspective work and self-help programming he realized the harm he had caused and took full accountability.

Some residents said better support for victims could be a springboard for exploring criminal justice alternatives and restorative justice systems. Support services such as victim offender dialogues and overhauling the existing system to make it more human-centric can be consistent with looking out for victims’ rights.“We are being accountable and restitution is more than a word – you have to live it, give back, and hold yourself accountable.” said Sabbath.