Annapolis, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the administration has awarded a total of $4,757,000 to support programs serving crime victims across the state. These grants will be distributed by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention to 57 agencies and 27 organizations statewide to be utilized in Fiscal Year 2018.
“Our administration is committed to ensuring the safety of all of our citizens, and this includes supporting victims of crime while holding offenders accountable for their actions,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to use all of our available resources to ensure that victims are treated with dignity and have access to the quality services they need to heal.”
These grants will fund activities supporting victims of domestic violence and other crimes, as well as survivors of homicide, including crisis and legal services. Moreover, these grants will ensure the implementation of the Declaration of Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment to the Maryland Constitution, as well as other laws which benefit victims and witnesses of crime.
“Governor Hogan’s administration is committed to helping crime victims rebuild their lives,” said Glenn Fueston, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention. “These grants will make a real difference by improving services for crime victims and offering them a full range of assistance to help them regain their footing and take the steps needed to begin the healing process.”
Domestic Violence Grant Program
This program provides crisis and support services to victims of domestic violence and their families. Services include a 24-hour hotline, safe accommodations, crisis and ongoing counseling, information and referral to community resources, legal services, specialized services for children, legal and medical accompaniment, supportive services, education and community outreach, and abuse intervention. More than $3,386,000 in federal and state grants will be distributed to the 19 comprehensive domestic violence services providers that serve all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland.
Domestic Violence Grant Program Award Breakdown
Maryland Victims of Crime Fund
The Maryland Victims of Crime Fund was created by the Maryland General Assembly during the 1991 Legislative Session. This legislation created a source of revenue for programs across Maryland serving victims of crime. The primary purpose of the Fund is to ensure implementation of the Declaration of Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment to the Maryland Constitution and the federal guidelines for treatment of and assistance to crime victims and witnesses, along with other laws adopted to benefit victims and witnesses of crime. A total of $600,000 in state grants will be distributed to 33 agencies statewide.
Government agencies and non-profit organizations applied for new two year awards, up to $50,000 per year.
Maryland Victims of Crime Fund Award Breakdown
Survivors of Homicide
In 2014, House Bill 355/Senate Bill 1088 – “Programs for Survivors of Homicide Victims” – established a grant program within the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention to address the specific needs of family members and other survivors of homicide whose lives have been traumatized by violent acts. The program ensures survivors are able to exercise their rights entitled by law.
Under the law, victims are to be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity; informed of their rights; informed on how to apply for services; permitted to be present and heard at criminal justice proceedings; and permitted to seek restitution from their offender(s). In addition, victims are to be informed about crisis intervention and counseling services, criminal injuries compensation, and other available social services, including how to obtain protection; informed by the police or the State’s Attorney of the arrest of a suspect and closing of the case; and notified of court hearings and offender custody status. A total of $500,000 in state grants will be distributed to 12 agencies statewide
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Survivors of Homicide Award Breakdown
Domestic Violence Unit Pilot Program
In 2000, the Maryland General Assembly created the Domestic Violence Unit Pilot Program. Despite the statutory termination of the Domestic Violence Unit Pilot Program on June 30, 2002, the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention was able to institutionalize the program, and continues to award grants with budgeted state funds. More than $196,000 in state grants will be distributed to 12 law enforcement agencies.
Domestic Violence Unit Pilot Program Award Breakdown
Legal Services for Crime Victims Fund
The Legal Services for Crime Victims Fund, administered by the State Board of Victim Services under the authority of Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention, ensures that money obtained from unclaimed restitution is used for annual grants to provide legal counsel to victims of crime and delinquent acts to protect their rights as provided by law. A total of $75,000 in grants will be distributed for legal services for crime victims.
Legal Services for Crime Victims Fund Award Breakdown