Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,
Below is today’s news brief from the Attorney General Charlie Crist speak on VOCA or Victims of Crime Act that grants federal funds for the use of those who are victims of crimes as and not excluding, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect , elder abuse and neglect, and hate crimes.
----------
Message from Attorney General Charlie Crist
News Brief
Date of release: July 28, 2006
With so much attention focused on sensational crimes and the offenders
who commit them, it can be all too easy for innocent victims to be
forgotten. The Attorney General’s Office works tirelessly to make sure
this does not happen, as we recognize that victims are most deserving
of our attention.
This week, I was pleased to announce the awarding of more than $24
million to help Florida’s crime victims as they struggle to cope with
the unwanted turmoil thrown into their lives.
The money comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, for
grants that provide direct services to help crime victims stabilize
their lives. VOCA was a byproduct of a task force created by President
Ronald Reagan, and for the past 22 years it has been an indispensable
resource for those who depend on the services it makes possible.
What kind of services does VOCA pay for? Everything from the cost of
medical care and rehabilitation to crisis prevention and funeral
expenses. VOCAsupports direct assistance to victims of sexual
assault, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse and
neglect, drunk driving, robbery, hate crimes, identity theft,
kidnapping and terrorism, as well as to survivors of homicide victims.
In short, VOCA is a lifeline for crime victims and their families as
they struggle to move on with their lives.
Making life at least a little bit easier for crime victims has been a
priority of the Attorney General’s Office for these past 3½ years. Our
Division of Victim Services is staffed by more than 80 dedicated
public servants, including victim advocates located in 10 cities
throughout our state.
Since January 2003, the Attorney General’s Office has awarded 938
grants totaling more than $78 million to organizations that work to
improve the lives of crime victims. This year’s VOCA awards total
$24.3 million, distributed to private and public agencies in 60 of
Florida’s 67 counties.
Crime victims have already had their lives turned upside-down once. It
is essential that we do all we can to help them rebuild their lives,
so they aren’t victimized all over again. I am pleased that the
Attorney General’s Office is able to provide assistance to so many
important programs that offer support and comfort to the innocent
victims of crime.
Charlie Crist
-----------
Evelyn out.
