NCJ Number
182586
Date Published
2000
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This document describes how crime victim compensation programs work and what victims can do to seek help.
Abstract
Victims of rape, assault, child sexual abuse, drunk driving and domestic violence, as well as the families of homicide victims, are eligible to apply for financial help. Nationally, nearly one-third of the recipients of compensation are children, most of whom are victims of sexual abuse. Compensation programs can pay for a wide variety of expenses and losses related to criminal injury and homicide. Beyond medical care, mental health treatment, funerals and lost wages, a number of programs also cover crime-scene cleanup, travel costs to receive treatment, moving expenses and the cost of housekeeping and child care. States continue to work with victims and advocates to find new ways to help victims with more of the costs of recovery. The document describes program development, size and structure; funding; the application process; eligibility requirements; compensable costs; maximums and limits; collateral resources; and outreach and awareness. It provides details on each State’s requirements, benefits and procedures in an alphabetical listing.