The City received notice from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Services, of the approval of Federal and State funding in the amount of $177,083 for the continuation of the City's Victim/Witness Assistance Program which is operated through the Commonwealth Attorney's Office. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program provides assistance to victims of criminal offenses (e.g., rape, felonious assault, child sexual and physical abuse, homicide, domestic violence) occurring in Danville. The program provides direct and referral services to meet specific needs (e.g., mental health, social services, legal, medical) and files claims for crime victim's compensation. The program also provides a court escort, an explanation of criminal court procedures, intervenes with employers, collection agencies and landlords when victim's injuries result in loss of income, and monitors court related restitution payments.
BACKGROUND
The goal of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program is to alleviate the confusion, pain, and suffering experienced by innocent victims of violent crime occurring in Danville. This is an annual grant and does not require any local matching funds.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve the attached ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Appropriation Ordinance to provide for the appropriation of the funds.