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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2006
Crime Victims’ Fund Assists Missourians Through Difficult Times
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Crime Victims’ Compensation program assisted over 2,000 individuals and paid out $10,975,430 in benefits since January 2005.
“Unfortunately, horrible things happen to innocent people,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “The Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund serves as a last resort to help people recover from the financial hardships associated with being a victim.”
The Crime Victims’ Compensation program compensates victims of violent crimes who have suffered physical or psychological injury as a direct result of the crime. In the event that the criminal activity causes death to the victim, the program provides assistance to the victim’s dependents. Benefits per claimant are limited to a total award amount of $25,000 payable for medical costs, counseling, lost wages, loss of support and certain miscellaneous expenses incurred by, or on behalf, of the victim. Benefits are not paid for stolen or damaged property.
“A critical component to the program’s success is getting the word out to victims of violent crimes,” said Susan Sudduth, manager of the Crime Victims’ Compensation program. “Staff travels across the state when possible to meet with prosecutors, hospitals, law enforcement and county officials to provide them information regarding the program.”
Individuals eligible to make a claim are:
(1) The victim;
(2) In the case of a sexual assault victim:
(a) A relative of the victim requiring counseling in order to better assist the victim in his recovery; and(3) In the case of the death of the victim as a direct result of the crime:
(a) A dependent of the victim;
(b) Any member of the family who legally assumes the obligation, or who pays the medical or burial expenses
incurred as a direct result; or
(c) A survivor of the victim requiring counseling as a direct result of the death of the victim.
Victims of violent crimes may file a claim at http://www.dolir.mo.gov/wc/forms/cv-1-3_ai.pdf or by calling (573) 526-6006. Crime Victims’ Compensation claims must be filed within two years from the date of the crime.
The Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and the program’s operating expenses are provided for by court costs assessed in each court proceeding involving a violation of a criminal law. Additional moneys come from judgments levied in certain criminal proceedings.
For more information regarding the Crime Victims’ Compensation program or to request a no-cost presentation, please contact Susan Sudduth at (573) 526-3510.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
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