Local victims’ agencies awarded grants

Ohio Attorney General’s information

COLUMBUS — In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has awarded multiple Ohio crime victim service agencies, including Crisis Care Line of Van Wert and the YWCA of Van Wert County, with funding to promote the resources available to victims of crime.

Eighteen agencies will share a total of $24,344 to fund awareness campaigns throughout the week.

“It is important that Ohioans are aware of what services are available to help them if they become a victim of crime, and I am pleased that my office is able to help these agencies promote the valuable services that they provide,” said Attorney General DeWine.

The 18 agencies were each awarded a grant of between $650 and $1,500.

The goal of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which began earlier this week and runs through Saturday, is to support crime victims and raise awareness of victim issues across the country.

The Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Section provides compensation to eligible crime victims and their families through the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Fund.  Since its creation in 1976, the fund, which can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and similar expenditures, has paid out more than $344 million, including more than $7 million in fiscal year 2014.

For more information on services for victims provided by the Attorney General’s Office, visit the Ohio Attorney General’s website.