MANSFIELD – Residents in Richland County received $142,000 from the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program in 2016, Richland County Prosecuting Attorney Gary D. Bishop has announced.
The victim of crime fund, which is administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, helps victims with certain out-of-pocket expenses caused when people are physically injured, emotionally harmed or killed by violent criminal acts. Victim advocates at the Prosecutor’s Office help crime victims fill out applications, make copies of supporting documentation and can mail applications in for processing.
The Victim Services Division helps crime victims through the whole application process, up and until a final determination letter is sent out.
“We will try to do everything we can to make victims whole again,” Bishop said. “It shouldn’t cost you money to assert your rights as a victim of crime.”
Victims injured as a result of violent crime may be eligible for compensation, dependents of homicide victims and claimants responsible for crime victims’ expenses, such as parents or guardians, may also be eligible.
Losses that may be covered by the Victim of Crime Fund:
· Medical and related expenses
· Counseling for family members of victims for specific crimes (max $7,500 per claim)
· Wages lost as a result of attending a funeral or certain court proceedings, dealing with a medical crisis, or, in certain cases, aiding in the care or recovery of the victim
· Crime scene cleanup/repair for safety (up to $750)
· Evidence replacement (up to $750)
· Funeral expenses (up to $7,500)
While victims of crime undoubtedly suffer, compensation cannot be paid for pain and suffering or for lost, damaged or stolen property, according to the application. This is a fund of last resort and will not cover expenses covered by other sources such as insurance or other liable parties.
Victims who have a felony conviction, a child endangering or domestic violence conviction within 10 years prior to the crime are not eligible to receive payment from the fund. Also, anyone who engaged in felony drug trafficking or felony drug possession within 10 years prior to the crime or while the claim is pending is not eligible.
Victims who committed criminal or wrongful acts that contributed to their own injuries are also not eligible for compensation.
“Please call our office at 419-774-5676 if you are a victim of crime and you think you may qualify for compensation,” Bishop said. “We will be happy to assist you.”
