Gov. Jim Justice announced that he has awarded $16,707,149.00 in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funds to 82 projects statewide.
VOCA funds provide direct services like counseling, personal advocacy, court advocacy, client transportation, and support services to victims of crimes including domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and elder abuse. The funds will also support assistance to victims as they move through the criminal justice system.
A portion of Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime and a portion was provided by the Office of the Governor and the West Virginia Legislature as state supplemental funds.
The VOCA grant program is administered by the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services’ Justice and Community Services Section.
Area groups receiving funding are as follows:
- CASA for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit – $91,285. Funding will be utilized to increase advocacy services for child victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, as well as child neglect, including medical, educational, and substance abuse.
- CASA for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit – $91,285. Funding will be utilized to increase advocacy services for child victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, as well as child neglect, including medical, educational, and substance abuse.
- Greenbrier County Commission – $43,172. Funding will be utilized to provide direct services to victims of crime via a prosecution-based advocate, coordinate access to prosecutors, contact persons for victims, and provide institution and legal information for victims in Greenbrier County.
- Greenbrier County Commission – $47,037. Funding will be utilized to support a victim advocate in the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department who will continue to serve as a guide, liaison, and contact person for victims, while also making appropriate referrals to better serve victims as needed.
