NCJ Number
254848
Date Published
June 2013
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This Fact Sheet of the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) summarizes the goal and features of the federal Crime Victims Fund (the Fund), with online access provided to a fuller description.
Abstract
The Fund has been a major funding source for victim services since its establishment in 1984. Federal revenues deposited into the Fund come from criminal fines, forfeitures, special assessments, and gifts or donations. Federal, state, and tribal victim assistance programs receive formula grants, discretionary grants, and set-asides according to an established annual allocation process. The full report, which is accessible from the current web page, provides descriptions of the main funding streams that support victim programs and services under the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Direct reimbursements are made to or on behalf of crime victims for crime-related expenses, such as medical costs, funeral and burial costs, mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of financial support. Awards are made by states to organizations that provide crime victim services, such as crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy to crime victims. Discretionary funds are used for training, technical assistance, and demonstration initiatives. This Fact Sheet provides direct online access to more information on the Fund through the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center and the OVC Resources Center.