Nearly $1 million in grants were awarded to several local agencies that help the victims of crime.
In total, $14,847,817 in Victims of Crime Act Assistance grant money was awarded to 81 agencies around the state, Gov. Jim Justice announced.
The money will be used to provide direct services such as counseling, personal advocacy, court advocacy, client transportation and support services to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse and elder abuse.
The Monongalia County Victim Assistance Program received $107,666 — roughly $10,000 more than last year, coordinator Kelly Streyle said.
Streyle said the application deadline was in mid-April and she started the process in March, shortly after taking over as coordinator.
The money will help with salaries, pay for various trainings and this year Streyle requested money for a new computer and printer, she said. Usage of the funds is tracked through monthly and quarterly reports.
The VAP has two primary goals — educating victims and assisting victims.
It educates victims about criminal charges, the criminal justice system and emotional changes that can happen as the result of being a victim.
The program provides emotional support, referrals to social programs, offers victims updates on cases and accompanies victims in court. Streyle said her office also helps many victims with their West Virginia Crime Victim Compensation Fund claims.
“The Monongalia County Victim Assistance Program is an integral part of the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office,” Prosecutor Perri DeChristopher said. “They support victims and help them find their voice in our criminal justice system, which results in the victim-centered prosecutions. We are a better prosecutor’s office have this program engaged in our county.”
Other local agencies that were awarded funds include:
Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center – $153,032
Monongalia County Youth Services Center – $146,995
The Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center – $521,209
Preston County Commission – $42,220
VOCA funds are awarded from the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. The Justice and Community Services section of the Division of Administrative Services, part of the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, administered the funds, according to the governor’s office.
