Van Hollen Awards Sexual Assault Services, a Program of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., $39,770 for Child and Adult Victims of Crime in Racine County

RACINE - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced the Wisconsin Department of Justice has awarded $39,770 in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Lutheran Social Services Sexual Assault Services program.

"I am pleased that agencies that serve victims will receive additional support," said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. "With this funding, Sexual Assault Services, a program of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., will provide family advocacy to victims served at the Racine County Child Advocacy Center, as well as provide follow-up response and community referrals to any victim of sexual assault and/or abuse and their families in Racine County."

Lutheran Social Services Sexual Assault Services 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.