Knowledge Tree
victim compensation programs
Facts (27)
Sources
Hope After Harm: An Evaluation of State Victim Compensation Statutes americanprogress.org Aug 20, 2025 27 facts
perspectiveMichelle Monterrosa believes that victim compensation programs must include survivors of violence in program design and be representative of communities of color, which are the most affected by violence.
claimVictim compensation programs provide funds that can help survivors bury loved ones, prevent homelessness, heal from injury, and ensure personal safety.
claimStates across the United States have reformed victim compensation programs to increase equity and better meet the needs of all survivors, though significant work remains to ensure support is adequate, timely, accessible, and equitable.
accountMichelle Barnes-Anderson of Brooklyn, New York, first learned about the existence of victim compensation programs in 2017 after her son, Melquain Jatelle Anderson, was killed by gun violence.
claimThe authors of "Hope After Harm: An Evaluation of State Victim Compensation Statutes" acknowledge that state laws and funding levels frequently constrain the scope of victim compensation programs.
procedureFocus group participants were required to complete an intake form covering consent, their experience with victim compensation programs, and basic demographic information.
claimState Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) programs should regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their trainings by assessing how participants conduct community-level surveys to measure awareness and how they report the outcomes of those surveys.
measurementState victim compensation programs in the United States received 232,582 applications in 2023, which represents slightly more than 6 percent of all people who were violently victimized that year.
claimState Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) programs should incorporate opportunities for providers to review or share best practices for outreach during training convenings, rather than relying solely on training sessions to ensure public awareness.
perspectiveThe authors of 'Hope After Harm: An Evaluation of State Victim Compensation Statutes' assert that consistent funding from both state and federal governments is essential to the rigor and longevity of victim compensation programs.
perspectiveSurvivors, legislators, and advocates should utilize the findings and recommendations from the report 'Hope After Harm: An Evaluation of State Victim Compensation Statutes' to develop more equitable, expansive, and inclusive victim compensation programs.
claimStates have historically supplemented annual Crime Victims Fund (CVF) funding by collecting criminal fines and fees, but overreliance on this source threatens the sustainability of victim compensation programs.
claimThe authors of 'Hope After Harm: An Evaluation of State Victim Compensation Statutes' recommend that the 40 victim compensation programs that have not yet done so should codify survivors’ roles on victim compensation and advisory boards.
claimSome states have begun utilizing general or other funding streams to underwrite victim compensation programs in response to the issues associated with relying on criminal fines and fees.
claimVictim compensation programs and service providers should increase proactive outreach to survivors, prioritizing the building of trust and relationships through on-the-ground outreach, particularly in Black and brown communities that are disproportionately impacted by violence and underresourced.
accountSeveral focus group participants reported that they were unaware that victim compensation programs covered needs beyond burial benefits, such as counseling, medical bills, and relocation expenses, because they only learned about the programs through funeral homes.
claimMany states across the United States have reformed their victim compensation programs to better support survivors in the healing process, regardless of political alignment, region, or economic construction.
claimThe Center for American Progress (CAP) and Common Justice recommend five legislative and administrative actions for states to support survivors of violence: raising awareness and outreach about victim compensation programs (especially in Black and brown communities), making application processes less arduous and more trauma-informed, reducing law enforcement's role in determining eligibility and award amounts, moving away from reimbursement-based models, and increasing compensation for burial expenses.
claimMeasuring public awareness of victim compensation programs is challenging for states.
perspectiveThe authors of 'Hope After Harm' argue that state statutes should mandate that law enforcement officers inform survivors of the availability of victim compensation programs.
claimMost state administering agencies for victim compensation programs cite the need for improved data collection to achieve and sustain effective outreach, training, and communication.
claimVictim compensation programs are designed to function as a payer of last resort to provide critical financial support to survivors who are facing extraordinary financial hardship.
perspectiveImproving victim compensation programs is a racial justice issue that can be addressed by revisiting and reforming state statutes that contribute to inequitable access to victim compensation.
claimStates can maximize efforts to reach and serve victims by completing a victims’ needs assessment and gap analysis.
claimThe report 'Hope After Harm' does not assess the efficacy, efficiency, or fairness of the administration of victim compensation programs as they relate to applicant outcomes, but instead examines the statutes and regulations that govern the programs.
claimState victim compensation programs should provide regular training to law enforcement officers regarding the availability of Crime Victim Compensation (CVC), the application process, and local victim advocates or service providers available for survivor support.
claimState victim compensation programs should expand training offerings to include medical personnel and funeral directors, as these stakeholders frequently interact with survivors of violence.