(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that the Office of Justice Programs of the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the state's Crime Victim Compensation Fund, administered through the Office's Crime Victim Section, a grant of $4,528,000.
"This annual grant plays a critical role in allowing us to help victims of crime," said Attorney General DeWine. "Combined with other funding sources provided for by state law, Ohio is among the leaders in its approach to aiding victims."
In addition to the federal grant, the state's crime victims' compensation fund receives money primarily from three other sources: a portion of paid court costs, a portion of the Ohio driver's license reinstatement fee and subrogation. Subrogation involves the recovery of funds from an offender for the costs to the victim incurred by the offender's criminal actions.
In Fiscal Year 2011, Ohio helped more than 3,300 victims with an average payment of $2,900 per claim, for a total of $9,830,000. The Crime Victim Section of the Ohio Attorney General's Office also provided $3,343,000 in reimbursements for almost 6,300 Sexual Assault Forensic Exam kits.
Those who may be eligible to receive a payment are those injured during a violent crime, dependents of people killed in crimes and anyone responsible for a crime victim's finances, such as a parent or guardian.
Payments can cover a variety of costs, including medical and related expenses, counseling for immediate family members of victims of homicide, sexual assault or domestic violence and wages lost because of the crime.
Victims of crime can apply for compensation by visiting www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or calling 800-282-0515.
-30-
Media Contacts
Lisa Hackley 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti 614-466-3840