VOCA Compensation Highlights
OVC's VOCA Compensation Formula Grant Program reimburses victims for financial losses resulting from their victimization. OVC disburses these funds to supplement state programs that provide financial assistance and reimbursement to victims for crime-related expenses, including medical and dental care, counseling, funeral and burial expenses, and lost wages. Compensation programs may also reimburse victims for other types of expenses related to their victimization, such as travel, temporary lodging, crime scene cleanup, and dependent care.
In FYs 2017 and 2018, VOCA state compensation benefits totaling $779,535,703 supported 497,182 victims and survivors of crime as they recovered from their losses and began the healing process.
State Spotlight
Michigan Department of Community Health
In FYs 2017 and 2018, the Michigan Department of Community Health continued outreach to all communities (including underserved communities) with public service announcements (PSA), billboards, and training efforts. The agency supported victims of federal crime by maintaining a relationship with federal advocates and maintaining open communication with federal crime victims.
Michigan implemented new and broader current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for the sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE), created a training fund for sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE), and eliminated barriers to compensation for SAFE response claims. Additionally, the state assessed victims' needs for service dogs and created a new reporting system that aligns with OVC reporting requirements.
North Carolina Victim Compensation Commission
In FYs 2017 and 2018, the North Carolina Victim Compensation Commission conducted presentations and provided information and materials to tribal communities regarding victims of crime. The commission continued to recognize the state’s population growth and to identify underserved victim areas, and made efforts to reduce barriers to victims by working with multicultural agencies to include all ethnic groups. North Carolina received compensation applications from 105 American Indian/Alaska Native victims in FYs 2017 and 2018.
Utah Office for Victims of Crime
In FYs 2017 and 2018, the Utah Office for Victims of Crime continued to make strong alliances and collaborative relationships with the state's tribal and federal entities. The office initiated extensive outreach to Native American communities by having multiple compensation and assistance staff serve as sitting members on the Utah Tribal and Native American Issues Committee.
With its director in attendance, the office participated in all Utah Tribal Leaders' meetings to maintain accountability and report any successes, solutions, and ongoing issues regarding victimization in tribal areas. The office engaged staff members, victim advocates, the reparations program manager, and the director to conduct public outreach and provide training services to hospitals, schools, tribal leaders, police agencies and academies, and nonprofit agencies.