Agencies that help crime victims get $1.8M boost

WEST CHESTER >> Two Chester County organizations — the Crime Victims Center of Chester County and the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County — will receive nearly $1.8 million in total funding to support important services for victims of crime.

“Crime knows no borders, but Chester County is fortunate to be home to two organizations — the Crime Victims Center and the Domestic Violence Center — that are readily available and accessible to all of our communities and residents,” state Sen. Andrew Dinniman said. “These funds can go a long way in supporting efforts to help ensure that victims of crime and their families fully recover to lead long, healthy and productive lives.”

The funding, which was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency and comes through the federal Victims of Crime Act, is as follows:

• $276,002 for CVCCC for response to victim needs.

• $333,750 for CVCCC for access to underserved victims.

• $337,399 for DVCCC to help stabilize victim lives after abuse.

• $851,517 for DVCCC to ensure victims have access to service.

All states receive VOCA funds to help support local victim assistance and compensation programs. In Pennsylvania, they are distributed through a special PCCD committee.

VOCA funds may only be used to provide direct services to crime victims. The services must respond to the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of crime victims, assist victims in stabilizing their lives after victimization, assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal and juvenile justice process, or restore a measure of security and safety for the crime victims.