Federal Law

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

The mission of the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) Program is to enhance and expand direct services to victims of crime with special emphasis placed on victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Victim's Assistance is mandated under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, as amended.

The program administers grants which provide funding support and technical assistance to approximately 63 community-based public or private agencies in the state which offer a range of services including crisis intervention, counseling, guidance, legal advocacy, transportation to court or to shelters and referrals.

According to federal guidelines, priority will be given to eligible crime victims assistance programs providing direct services to victims of:

• Rape/Sexual Assault
• Spousal Abuse
• Child Abuse
• Previously Underserved Victims of Violence Crime
  (Survivors of homicide victims, elderly victims of abuse or neglect, victims of drunk drivers, adult survivors of child sexual assault or incest, or other violent crimes that are being neglected or not being served adequately.)

VOCA funds must be used only to provide direct services to victims of crime. (Direct services are activities that directly benefit individual crime victims.)

Allowable Costs

• Personnel expenses
• Contractual services (portion)
• Travel/Training expenses
• Space (pro-rated)
• Telephone (pro-rated)
• Audit Costs (2% of award)
• Program materials, supplies, etc.