Van Hollen Awards Hope House of South Central Wisconsin $77,440 For Adult Victims of Crime in Sauk, Columbia, Adams, Juneau and Marquette Counties

BARABOO - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced the Wisconsin Department of Justice has awarded $77,440 in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Hope House of South Central Wisconsin, Inc. program.

"I am pleased that agencies that serve victims will receive additional support," said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. "With this funding, Hope House of South Central Wisconsin, Inc. will provide screening, assessment, crisis intervention and counseling services that integrate a comprehensive understanding of the effects of trauma, mental health and substance abuse to victims/survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault form Sauk, Columbia, Adams, Juneau and Marquette Counties."

Hope House of South Central Wisconsin, Inc. is one of 16 programs that Van Hollen has chosen for more than $900,000 in funding to help crime victims under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The Attorney General said this money reflects his desire to improve the quality of life for innocent crime victims of all ages who live in communities across Wisconsin.  Trauma counseling, crises intervention and other advocacy services are essential to restoring victims to a sense of wellness. 

Enacted in 1984, VOCA is administered by the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law on February 17, 2009.  The law provides funding to assist victim service programs create and retain direct victim services positions.