The Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, makes Victims of Crime Assistance (2020) funds available to non-profit victim services and government agencies. The funds will provide direct services to assist crime victims recover from victimization.
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding was established by the Crime Victim Funds in 1984. A repository of federal criminal fines, penalty assessments and bond forfeitures collected by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the U.S. Courts from federal offenders.
Under this program, convicted federal criminals help pay for critical services for victims of child abuse, child sexual abuse (including incest), drunken driving, domestic violence — adult sexual abuse, elder abuse, adults molested as children, survivors of homicide victims, robbery, assault, fraud, financial exploitation, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Funding is subject to appropriations by Congress. Victims of Crime Act funds will be awarded to support programs that provide direct services to crime victims to include crisis counseling, follow-up, therapy, group treatment/support, shelter/safe house, information/referral, personal advocacy, assistance filing for victim compensation, criminal justice support/advocacy and emergency legal advocacy — not all inclusive.
Applications are available at the Law Enforcement Planning Commission. For information or to request an application package, call the office at 774-6400, ext. 203 or email sherri.abbott@lepc.vi.gov.
Proposals are due by 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 8. The Law Enforcement Planning Commission reserves the right to accept or deny any or all proposals.