Calif. Prostitutes May Gain Victim Compensation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California officials are considering whether to change a decades-old anti-crime regulation and allow prostitutes to receive money from a victim compensation fund if they're raped or beaten by a john or pimp.

Under the current system, those harmed in violent crimes can be paid for medical costs and related expenses. But prostitutes are excluded because their activities are illegal.

Jon Myers, deputy executive officer of the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, says California is the only state in the nation with such a provision.

The American Civil Liberties Union and organizations representing sex trade workers want the rules changed.

They say the current system blames women for the violence done to them.

The board meets Thursday morning to consider doing away with the rule or making changes.

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