NCJ Number
193697
Date Published
January 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the Crime Victims Fund, a major funding source for victim services.
Abstract
The Crime Victims Fund was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, and millions of dollars have been deposited into the Fund from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties, and special assessments, not from taxpayers. Money from the Fund is available to: (1) improve the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases; (2) improve services to victims of Federal crimes; (3) assist victims of terrorism or mass violence; (4) fund the International Terrorism Victim Compensation Program; (5) contribute to State compensation programs and assistance programs; and (6) assist in improving and expanding the delivery of services to victims of federal crimes. Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to a crime victim for medical costs, funeral and burial costs, mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support. Victim assistance includes, but is not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy. The paper includes data on discretionary funds and how they are used. Figure