The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) provides funding support to Victim Witness Assistance Programs through the Victim Witness Grant Program (VWGP), using federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funds, state general funds, and state special funds accrued from court fees. Local Victim Witness Assistance Programs are housed in government agencies, primarily in the offices of Commonwealth’s Attorneys and local law enforcement.

In state fiscal year 2024 (SFY 2024), there were 114 total projects (111 local and 3 statewide) funded through the VWGP. Projects focused on the delivery of services required under Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act (Title 19.2, Chapter 1.1 of the Code of Virginia). Services provided by these programs include explaining to crime victims their rights; assisting victims 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.

Between federal fiscal years 2015 and 2019, each state’s federal VOCA victim assistance funding allocation significantly increased, with Virginia’s allocation increasing to a high of over $85 million in 2018. The availability of increased VOCA funding allowed DCJS to address long-unmet needs within local programs, especially the need to increase staffing levels and to initiate programs in unserved areas. Federal VOCA funding has now declined significantly, directly impacting grant awards to Victim Witness Assistance Programs. In addition, deposits into the Virginia Crime Victim-Witness Fund (state special fund) have also declined, resulting in a year-end cash balance of $1,457,355 as of June 30, 2024.

The SFY 2024 state budget initially appropriated $943,700 in general funds to support Victim Witness Assistance Programs. In September 2023, the budget was amended and an additional $1,320,878 of general funds was appropriated, for a total of $2,264,578. This increased funding was used to help maintain SFY 2024 grant awards by offsetting a potential mid-year reduction due to lower-than-anticipated balances in the Virginia Crime Victim-Witness Fund.