Kentucky has received nearly $14.9 million in federal grants to support victims of violent crime, and $439,315 of that funding is going to local organizations.
In total, 102 crime victim organizations and projects have received funding this year through the federal Victims of Crime Act grant program, known as VOCA.
VOCA funding prioritizes services to victims of child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence. Funding can also serve survivors of homicide and victims of burglary, theft, drug and alcohol-related crime and elderly victims and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse or assault.
The last several years have seen significant decreases in federal funding for VOCA grants, which totaled nearly $27.2 million last year in Kentucky.
Cumberland River Behavioral Health, which is headquartered near Corbin and has an eight-county service region, received $135,683 in VOCA funding, which is $12,275 less than last year.
The Cumberland Valley Children’s Advocacy Center in London received $149,375 in VOCA funding, which was $12,725 less than last year.
The Williamsburg Police Department’s victim’s advocate program received $46,800 in VOCA funding, which was the same amount as last year.
Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services Inc. in London received $67,585 in VOCA funding, which was $17,777 less than last year.
CASA of Clay, Knox and Laurel Counties Inc. received $39,872 in VOCA funding, which was $2,522 less than last year.
VOCA funds are replenished each year through fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties and special assessments collected from federal offenders by U.S. Attorneys’ offices, federal U.S. courts and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. No tax money supports the Crime Victim’s Fund.
“When law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, prosecutors and health care providers come together to support their fellow Kentuckians, it sends a clear message to offenders that our commonwealth will not stand for crime,” said Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson.
“I look forward to seeing the good work that will be accomplished with this grant funding, and the administration will be there every step of the way to not only ensure delivery but care for those who are providing these critical services.”
