Blunt Announces Over $7.4 Million to Help Crime Victims

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt today announced more than $7.4 million for grants to private and public agencies to help crime victims throughout Missouri. The funds, provided through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), will provide direct services to help victims stabilize their lives.           "Many times crime victims have nowhere else to turn during times of distress," Blunt said.   "My administration is partnering with local communities that provide crime victims with the comfort, compassion and support that can be critical in their recovery.  This week I also announced funding to cover medical exam costs associated with rape or sexual assault.  Under previous law, victims of sexual assault or rape were often forced to pay for their own forensic exams to investigate the crimes they suffered.  With this proposed funding, the crime victim assistance grants and other initiatives we are helping the vulnerable recover from traumatic crimes."           VOCA dollars fund programs that serve victims of sexual assault, spousal abuse, child abuse, underserved populations of victims of violent crimes in addition to victims of various other crimes. VOCA funding often goes to programs that offer crisis intervention, emergency services, support services, court related services and training.           The grants will fund such direct services as crisis intervention, personal advocacy and support, criminal justice and court advocacy/support, emergency legal advocacy, shelter/safe house placement, case management, counseling necessary due to the crime and information/referral.           In 1984 Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act to assist states in providing high quality services that directly improve the health and well being of victims of crime. The U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, administers these funds at the federal level, and the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers the VOCA funds at the state level. Fines and forfeitures collected by federal courts provide funding for this grant program.           Earlier this week Gov. Blunt announced that one of his budget priorities for the coming year will be to protect victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.  He plans to recommend that more than $2.3 million be available to cover medical exam costs associated with rape or sexual assault in next year's budget.  The governor is also recommending that $1.8 million be made available in the supplemental budget to protect victims.           The 2007 VOCA grants began October 1, 2007 and will end September 30, 2008.  A list of grant awards is available at www.dps.mo.gov . -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com