The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs has awarded $19,865,199 for West Virginia’s Division of Justice and West Virginia Legislative Claims Commission.
The funding aims to help support crime victims by funding compensation payments and enhancing state services.
“Handing justice to victims of crimes is a coveted American value,” said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “This funding will help fulfill that promise by supporting victims with compensation and services. I am glad that West Virginias will benefit from this grant, and will work to secure similar funding in the future.”
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., added, "The survivors of crime are unfortunately many times overlooked or forgotten, even though the experience may impact those individuals forever. Ensuring just compensation and the availability of support services for crime victims can help with the healing process and assist in strengthening our communities."
Individual grants were $18,694,199 for VOCA Victim Assistance and $1,171,000 for VOCA Victim Compensation.