Crime Victims Fund
The Crime Victims Fund is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to victims of crime. Established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) in 1984, the fund is primarily financed through fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders, rather than taxpayer dollars. This funding helps support various services, including counseling, legal assistance, and emergency financial aid for victims.
The fund is administered by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice. States receive allocations from the fund to create their own victim assistance programs, ensuring that support is available at the local level. This initiative aims to help victims recover and rebuild their lives after experiencing crime.