Victims rights

Special application cycle for one-time Victim Assistance funds to start June 15

June 08, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today announced that nearly $800,000 in stimulus funds would be available for supplemental public safety grants through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant. These grant funds will provide funding opportunities for victim services projects throughout the Commonwealth.    » read more »

Lt. Governor also unveils sexual assault guidelines; Legislation part of crime prevention package

June 04, 2009 -- NEW BEDFORD– Thursday, June 4, 2009 – Following a meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Domestic and Sexual Violence in New Bedford, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray announced that the Patrick-Murray Administration will file a bill to strengthen protections for crime victims and witnesses today.

The legislation follows bills aimed at gun violence prevention and CORI reform, and completes the administration’s 2009 crime prevention package. The Lieutenant Governor also announced the administration has completed the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Sexual Assault Law Enforcement Model Guidelines.    » read more »

04/15/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today presented the Governor's 2008 Crime Victim Advocacy Awards to 12 individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the support and service of victims of violent crimes.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jack Walsh: The Governor, joined by “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh, presented the Governor's Crime Victim Advocacy Awards to 12 recipients. Photo courtesy California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office.    » read more »

Announces Award of State's First Ever Law Enforcement Technology Grants

ELLICOTT CITY, MD (January 8, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today kicked off the Maryland Crime Victims’ Rights and Compliance First Annual Conference in Ellicott City.    » read more »

Measure Would Empower Victims to Pursue Assets of Countries Like Iran That Sponsor Terror

December 14, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today approved landmark bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) to provide justice for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by giving them their day in court and helping them pursue the assets of countries that support terrorism. The legislation was included in the final conference version of the FY 2008 Department of Defense Authorization bill.    » read more »

Biden Legislation Ensures Fairness, Full Information for September 11th Cases

November 8, 2007 -- Washington, DC – Today, the President signed U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s (D-DE) Procedural Fairness for September 11th Victims Act (S. 2106) into law. Last month, the Senate and House passed Sen. Biden’s legislation, which ensures that those 9/11 victims and their families who opt out of receiving compensation through the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund and bring civil suits instead, have access to all the information relevant to the case.    » read more »

Biden Legislation Ensures Fairness, Full Information for September 11th Cases

October 30, 2007 -- Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s (D-DE) Procedural Fairness for September 11th Victims Act (H.R. 3921, S. 2106). Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed Sen. Biden’s legislation, which ensures that those 9/11 victims and their families who opt out of receiving compensation through the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund and bring civil suits instead, have access to all the information relevant to the case.    » read more »

October is Designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 23, 2007 -- JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced the completion of an enhanced statewide automated notification system regarding protective orders as the state recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.    » read more »

10/13/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today announced that he has signed bills to increase protections for crime victims in California. One bill increases the victim notification requirement from 45 to 60 days prior to when a sex offender is released from an institution; other bills protect victims of continuous child abuse by prohibiting an offender from going within 35 miles of the child’s residence and make clarifications to Jessica’s Law for more effective implementation.    » read more »

September 17, 2007 -- Chicago — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced that a recently enacted law will afford Illinois consumers greater protections from abusive debt collection practices.

Drafted by Madigan's office and sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon ( D-Oak Park ) and State Representative Marlow H. Colvin (D-Chicago), the Illinois Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (P.A. 95-0437) will ensure that consumers receive the same level of protection under state law as they receive under federal debt collection laws.    » read more »

September 13, 2007 -- HELENA – Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath said Thursday that the state's Office of Victim Services has received a two-year, $865,000 grant to continue the Encourage to Arrest Project.

The Encourage to Arrest Project began in 2002, aiming to reduce the occurrence of domestic violence and improve enforcement of orders of protection.

The new grant will go toward helping tribal courts modify case management systems to make it simpler to share information about protective orders, and the Office of Victim Services will continue the Hope Card project.    » read more »

Pennsylvania Is First State To Offer Complete Online Claim Services

Aug. 28, 2007 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the launch of the nation’s first, fully automated, online, claim-filing service for victims of crime.

The service is part of the victim’s compensation assistance program, or VCAP, which provides financial assistance to crime victims and their families. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.    » read more »

August 23, 2007 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that he has signed legislation ensuring that victims of sex offenses will be able to get timely information from the criminal justice system that can help guide their medical treatment. Under this new law, New York courts can order that an indicted defendant be tested for the HIV virus. Previously, victims could only request and receive such information at the time of a defendant’s conviction.    » read more »

August 20, 2007 -- In an effort to improve victims’ services at the state level, Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison announced a full reorganization of the Attorney General’s Victims’ Services and the appointment of Dorthy Stucky Halley, LMSW, as the new statewide coordinator.

Continuing his commitment to crime victims, Morrison has re-structured numerous services in the Attorney General’s Office to create a comprehensive and efficient division dedicated to providing services to Kansas crime victims. Halley will lead this new division.    » read more »

Aug. 10, 2007 -- AUSTIN – Texas Governor Rick Perry awarded more than $26 million to more than 200 programs to help victims of crime throughout the state. These grants are awarded under the federal Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA) and distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD) within the guidelines of their victim restoration program.

“These funds will support programs that protect victims, administer justice, and provide a safer living environment for all residents of Texas, particularly our most vulnerable citizens and Texas youth,” Perry said.    » read more »