RD313 - Report on Current and Projected Status of Federal, State and Local Funding for Victim Witness Programs - October 16, 2014


Executive Summary:
For fiscal years '15 and '16, there are 105 local and four statewide Victim Witness programs funded by the Virginia Crime Victim-Witness Fund. Services provided by these programs include: explaining to crime victims their rights; assisting them in obtaining protective orders; helping victims apply for compensation; explaining the criminal justice process; accompanying victims to court; assisting in the preparation of victim impact statements; and providing crisis intervention and other services. Annually these programs typically provide direct services to approximately 60,000 crime victims.

The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) funds the Victim Witness programs from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), state General Funds, and Special Funds from court fines and fees. Local Victim Witness programs reside in local government agencies primarily in Commonwealths' Attorneys' and Sheriffs' offices.

Highlights for FYs15/16:

• New fulltime Victim Witness program in Nottoway County.

• A 3% increase in funding for all programs.

• Working with Highland County to establish a new part-time program for FYI6.

After several years without any expansion to un-served localities and no funding increases to existing local programs, DCJS was able to initiate services this year to one un-served locality, plan for adding another, and also provide a 3% increase in grant awards to all of the programs. This funding increase of $348,566 is due to an increase in federal VOCA funds and careful management of the state Special Fund. Despite the modest increase, Victim Witness Programs continue to face the financial challenges associated with both increased demand for services and increased operating costs.

Victim Witness Programs are working within an increasingly complex environment that includes new types of crimes and diverse victim needs. Cases involving human trafficking may include multiple jurisdictions and victims with different native languages and cultural backgrounds. Both the needs of victims and new protective order laws passed by the General Assembly have increased the need for staff, training, and resources. In addition, five localities in Virginia still do not have Victim Witness Programs. There is a continued need for additional resources to provide services to crime victims in the remaining unserved localities and to meet the increased demand for services in currently served areas.