Victim support fund marks 25th year

National Victims’ Rights Week begins Sunday and marks the 25th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

Congress passed the VOCA in 1984, which created the Crime Victims Fund that has amassed more than $2 billion. The fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by offenders rather than tax dollars. The money is distributed throughout the nation in amounts determined by Congress each year.

The fund supports victim compensation programs reimbursing out of pocket expenses including medical care, counseling, funerals and lost wages.

For the past 12 years, the St. Croix County Victim/Witness Assistance Program has received a VOCA grant to fund its Legal Advocate Program. This program assists individuals who are seeking restraining orders and injunctions and provides services to domestic abuse victims.

“Every day in every state, VOCA shows victims they are not alone,” said John W. Gillis, former director of the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. “VOCA represents hope, renewal, and a nation that stands behind victims of crime.”

The St. Croix County Victim/Witness Assistance Program will observe National Crime Victims Rights Week April 26 - May 2.

The public is invited on Wednesday, April 29 at 12 noon, to a ‘Reading of the Rights’ outside the main entrance of the St. Croix County Government Center, 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson.

District Attorney Eric Johnson will read the list of victims’ rights, followed by a reading of selected poems related to victims of crime.

For additional information, contact the St. Croix County Victim/Witness Assistance Program at 715-386-4666.

Tags: community, stcroixcounty, victims, rights, week