Last year, the Tennessee Department of Treasury’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Program paid $11.7 million to innocent victims of violent crimes. Since its inception in 1982, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund has paid out $301.2 million in claims to victims and their families when no other financial means where available. This week, Treasury will join organizations from across the country to recognize those victims for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a way to raise awareness of victims’ rights, inspire the community, and address unmet needs. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Program works to help these victims throughout the year, and will be spending the week working to reach even more Tennesseans who may be eligible for compensation.
“It has a positive impact,” said Randall Hampton, an attorney with West Tennessee Legal Services who works with victims of domestic violence. “The fact that she got some compensation for what she went through really lifted her spirits,” he said of one victim, “. . . this helped her move forward with her life.”
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Program provides a fund of last resort that may cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of support to financial dependents, and more for victims of violent crime in Tennessee.
“We can’t take away the pain of what these victims have been through,” said State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr., “but we may be able to help them when no other financial help is available.”
Many in Tennessee are not aware of the program or what may be eligible for compensation. Treasury wants to use National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to expand the circle and connect with those would benefit from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program.