Conclusion

Crime victim assistance is an essential public service and, as such, merits the states' commitment to adequate funding. As states strive to create funding sources for victim assistance, they have a wide range of legislative options, including adoption of offender-based penalties, charging nonoffenders' fees for governmental services that are logically connected to crime victim needs, and implementing private and innovative fundraising efforts. With the state's encouragement and facilitation, these can all work to provide the critical financial support for services to help victims in the aftermath of crime.