Local organizations get $625,610 in VOCA funding

Kentucky has received nearly $23 million in federal grants to support victims of crime, and $625,610 of that funding is going to local organizations.

In total, 120 crime victim service providers have received funding this year through the federal Victims of Crime Act grant program, known as VOCA. Funded programming includes children’s advocacy centers, court-appointed special advocates, domestic violence programs and sexual assault programs.

The Williamsburg Police Department’s victim’s advocate program received $58,500 in funding.

Cumberland River Behavioral Health, which is headquartered near Corbin and has an eight-county service region, received $192,738.

The Cumberland Valley Children’s Advocacy Center in London received $210,519.

Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services Inc. in London received $110,860.

CASA of Clay, Knox and Laurel Counties Inc. received $52,993.

“Protecting Kentuckians and promoting justice has been a priority of mine since my first day in office,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This VOCA funding allows us to build upon the great work we have done in the past few years to help even more Kentuckians and provide a safer commonwealth for future generations.”

VOCA funds are replenished each year through fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties and special assessments collected from federal offenders by U.S. Attorneys’ offices, federal U.S. courts and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. No tax money supports the Crime Victim’s Fund. VOCA funds are provided to states and U.S. territories as a formula grant.

“This critical funding helps people navigate some of the worst moments of their lives by accessing needed services for healing, security and justice,” said Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey. “With this funding, Kentucky takes another step forward on its commitment to fight for justice for all Kentuckians who have been a victim of a crime.”

Victims of crime in the commonwealth are eligible for VOCA-supported assistance services at no cost. These services respond to the emotional, psychological or physical needs of crime victims. VOCA programming provides critical supports and services for immediate and long-term healing and stability, as well as navigating the criminal justice process and restoring a measure of security and safety for survivors.

“VOCA funds have allowed the Victims Services Program of Cumberland River Behavioral Health to train both child and adult licensed therapists in evidence-based, effective treatments to promote healing in victims of interpersonal violence,” said Cumberland River Behavioral Health Victim’s Services Director Cecelia White.

“Before VOCA funds were available to this program, there were no licensed therapists specifically trained in trauma treatments and whose only focus was trauma. Victims of interpersonal violence can now heal faster in locations close to home enabling them to become healthy, productive citizens.”

Since October 2015, 481,220 victims in the commonwealth have been served and 4,029,049 services have been provided through VOCA grant funds.

 Report Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, no matter when the violence took place, please contact the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence or the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs.

There are 13 sexual assault programs providing services to all victims of sexual violence in Kentucky. Services are free of charge. Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence is welcome, including family members and friends close to victims.

Call the 24-hour free hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233).

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.