Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Awards Almost $8 Million in Funding to Assist Crime Victims

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has announced the awarding of $7.9 million in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants to programs throughout the state.

These public and non-profit agencies receiving VOCA victim assistance grants provide direct services to innocent victims of violent crime in Wisconsin.

"Serving crime victims at this critical time of their lives is an important part of our public safety mission,” Van Hollen says, “These grant funds for our community partners and government agencies further those essential services.”

The programs, supported by VOCA funds, offer support services to address the emotional and physical needs of crime victims, assist primary and secondary victims of crime to stabilize their lives after victimization, and assist victims' understanding and participation in the criminal justice system.

Enacted in 1984, VOCA is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.

An annual grant is awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice -- Office of Crime Victim Services. The OCVS then awards subgrants to local government and non-profit agencies.

VOCA funding comes from revenue generated by various federal criminal fines, forfeitures, assessments and penalties. No taxpayer money is used.

For more information on all programs receiving awards, please go to: