What Types of Crime Survivors Are Eligible?
A large portion of VOCA funds go towards services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. These three areas are considered priority areas. Another 10% of funds are allocated to “previously underserved” survivors of violent crimes. Additional funds may also go to services outside of the priority or underserved areas.
So what is a “previously underserved” crime survivor?
This category can include certain crime types (other than domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse), such as survivors of homicide victims, victims of assault, robbery, or other violent crime in high crime areas that have been previously underserved. States may also identify certain demographics as underserved, for example tribal, boys and men
of color, LGBTQ, non-English speaking residents, persons with disabilities, members of one or more racial or ethnic groups, or residents of rural or remote areas or “inner cities.” However, a victim population, such as LGBTQ sexual assault victims, cannot be counted as both a “priority” crime type category and a “previously underserved” demographic category.
Each state has flexibility to define “previously underserved” priorities. Check with your particular state to learn how they define this category.
Special note for those working with immigrants:
Victims assistance programs CANNOT deny services to undocumented immigrants. If you are serving undocumented populations, you can provide VOCA-funded assistance.