What Types Of Services Will VOCA Fund?
VOCA funds direct services to crime victims (referred to as “crime survivors” in this guide).
Within the VOCA rule, a crime victim or victim of crime means a person
who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.
VOCA defines direct services as those that:
- respond to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims;
- assist crime survivors to stabilize their lives after a victimization;
- assist crime survivors to understand and participate in the criminal
justice system; and - restore a measure of safety and security to crime survivors, such as
boarding-up broken windows/doors and replacing or repairing locks.
You might not define your services as “victim services,” but if some or all of the people you serve are crime survivors, and you are doing the work as defined above to address their victimization, then your services can probably fit within VOCA’s categories. The key is understanding how your work corresponds to VOCA’s eligible services and then translating your program narrative to ensure they align with VOCA’s priorities.
Think about the services and support you provide.
Then look at the list on the next page to find the link between VOCA services language and how you currently label your services. Remember that you must convey your services as victim-centered.