Melissa Donaldson named board chair of the California Crime Victims Assistance Association

RIVERSIDE – The director of the Riverside County DA’s Office Division of Victim Services has been elected board president of the California Crime Victims Assistance Association (CCVAA). 

With over 35 years of experience in social services and victim advocacy, Melissa Donaldson is a proven leader committed to advancing the rights of crime victims statewide. 

As the director of our office’s Division of Victim Services, Melissa established the county’s first Critical Response Team for mass victimization and expanded services for crime victims. 

Before coming to the DA’s Office, Melissa served as the Executive Director helped transform Safe Alternatives for Everyone (SAFE) into one of Riverside County’s leading victim service organizations.

As Board Chair at CCVAA, Melissa will guide the organization in its mission to support victim advocates, enhance training, and strengthen partnerships to ensure consistent, quality services for crime victims and their families across California.

The mission of CCVAA is to advocate for crime victims' rights, support county and city Victim/Witness Programs, and promote quality services to mitigate the trauma suffered by crime victims, witnesses, and their families. 

CCVAA serves as the lead entity responsible for providing training and technical assistance to Victim Service Professionals in the state of California and is committed to developing and advancing the field of victim services in California.

For more information on CCVAA, visit: ccvaatraining.org/about-us