The importance of victim awareness
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) honors our victims in the month of April. We stand together with the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which honors victims of a crime during National Crime Victims Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 19-25, 2026.
Every year, many communities inside and outside come together in solidarity and commemoration for victims. This movement builds stronger communities between victim survivors and supporters.
CCWF is also encouraging a safe place for healing, restoration, and recovery for victims and survivors. We understand the great magnitude of our actions.
Victims suffer great loss. Their lives have been destroyed and impacted physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or financially. Families missing a parent, child, or sibling. Individuals who no longer feel safe at home. The strain of financial burdens that come from medical or funeral bills. The mental weight of bullying. The ripple of effect is endless.
We at CCWF have adversely impacted many lives, and unfortunately, some even continue this vicious cycle in prison. Our own peers become victims of bullying or abusive behaviors. However, many of our peers have also developed personal growth and maturity. This pathway opens the door to responsibility, accountability, and transformation.
One good example of living amends is Diana Rayos, who served 13 years in CCWF. During her incarceration, Rayos honored her victims by making positive choices thereby lessening the impact of her past actions. Rayos attended various self-help groups that primarily focused on victim impact, and participated in Victim Awareness Walk-A-Thons when they were offered.
As incarcerated persons we also victimized our families. They are impacted financially by paying attorney costs or court fees. Our family is burdened by other expenses such as commissary, canteen, quarterly packages, sale items, and visits.
People find meaning and purpose by practicing restorative justice principles. This is a choice people make to repair the damage they have done by giving back to their communities.
Rayos paroled in 2021. Since then, she continues making amends by teaching against gang violence and mentoring at-risk-youth between ages 14-18. Rayos is a case manager for Homeboy Industries.
Her responsibilities include attending court hearings, as well as speaking with probation officers or the Department for Children Schools and Families providing comprehensive support for teens struggling with a criminal lifestyle.
“By sharing my story, I’m able to discourage others from a life of crime. I express good moral intent to bring awareness and consequential thinking. I understand the importance on building healthier communities and encouraging the youth to make better choices in life,” Rayos said.
Yoselin Tovar was incarcerated for thirteen and a half years in CCWF. During the flu outbreak and COVID pandemic, Tovar volunteered by working long hours in the Kitchen and Canteen while managing a full time job.
Additionally, Tovar volunteered her time in the Gifted Hands Crochet Project and Pillowcase Dress Project. She spent many hours making dresses, blankets, beanies, and scarves for the outside community.
Her contribution benefited veteran’s hospitals, children’s hospitals, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and other organizations. Upon release, Tovar continued rebuilding lives.
“Since the beginning, I was responsible for the negative ripple effect of my actions. Today, I am also responsible for the positive ripple effect in my life. I want to reach a multitude people by being of service. During Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, I volunteer with Ramp LA, Rise & Go, or St. Johns Community Health to feed unhoused individuals or pass out Christmas gifts,” Tovar added.
Character building is an essential part to ending victimization anywhere. In prison, we can build each other with a smile and by being friendly, kind, and respectful. Small gestures, positive words or deeds can make a difference in this dark place.
For the month of April, the Paper Trail Editorial Board wants to challenge CCWF residents to join the NCVRW the week of 19-25 by honoring victims of crime. We encourage everyone to stop further victimization by making a change in your attitude and character.
