WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced the award of $1.45 million for crime victims assistance and compensation funding in Maryland. Senator Mikulski included this funding for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in the CJS portion of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).

During the past year, victim service professionals have seen a clear increase in victimization and victim need. The National Crime Victim Helpline has experienced a 25 percent increase in calls during the past year, as job losses and economic stress factor into increased violence in the home and in communities. In crafting the Justice portion of the ARRA, Senator Mikulski recognized that the unique conditions caused by the current mortgage crisis and home foreclosures may leave affected neighborhoods open to criminal behavior.

“Economic crisis and job losses result in increased violence in homes, neighborhoods and communities, which means that victims need more services,” said Senator Mikulski. “People often need a helping hand to recover and rebuild their lives after suffering a crime or attack and these recovery funds help victims in Maryland create a way forward.”

The funds can be used to pay for medical care, mental health counseling and lost wages. Many national, state and local nonprofit organizations that benefit victims of crimes have reported declines in total revenue and individual contributions as well as increases in expenses and staff layoffs. Meanwhile, demand has skyrocketed for social “safety net” services provided by these organizations.

Maryland will receive this funding through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Victims of Crime (OVC), which was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA). The OVC provides federal funds to support State compensation and assistance programs for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, drunk driving, homicide, and other federal and state crimes. The OVC also provides training for professionals who work with victims, develops and disseminates publications, supports projects to enhance victims’ rights and services, and educates the public about victim issues.

For more information, please visit http://www.ovc.gov/fund/recoverycvfa2009.html.