RD312 - Report on Current and Projected Status of Federal, State and Local Funding for Victim Witness Programs - October 16, 2015


Executive Summary:
There are currently 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 victims in preparing victim impact statements; and providing crisis intervention and other services. Annually these programs provide direct services to approximately 60,000 crime victims.

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

Highlights for FY17:

• Working with Highland and Craig Counties to implement and maintain part-time programs.

• Planning for implementation of new Victim Witness services in remaining un-served localities

(Buckingham, Franklin, Rappahannock and Richmond Counties).

• Continuation of the 3% increase in funding for all programs awarded in FY15.

• Planning and implementation of increased service capacity utilizing additional federal VOCA funding.

After several years without any expansion to un-served localities and no funding increases to existing local programs, DCJS was able to initiate services in FY15 to one un-served locality (Nottoway County), plan for adding another, and also provide a 3% increase in grant awards to all of the programs. The coming year will see continuation of these efforts along with planning and implementation of services to the remaining localities without victim services. An increase in federal VOCA funding will support expanded staff capacity in local programs, provide additional training for local agency staff and enhanced other victim services based on an inclusive strategic planning process. Victim Witness Programs continue to face the 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 to provide services to crime victims with more complex challenges and to meet increased demand in many localities across the state.