Anne Arundel County's efforts to bolster victim support services have received an impactful boost, courtesy of a substantial grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), as stated in a recent press release from the State's Attorney's Office. The grant, totaling $241,422, is derived from a pool of federal and state funds specifically earmarked to aid victims of crime, with the Federal Office for Victims of Crime and the State of Maryland Victims of Crime Act State General Funds (VOCG) contributing to this financial injection.
Accessibility to comprehensive services for victims is set to expand, with particular attention given to those affected by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child sexual abuse, as well as survivors of general crimes such as assaults, hate and bias crimes, intoxicated drivers, and economic crimes. The grant, which funds 75% of the salaries for four full-time victim advocates, ensures a multidisciplinary approach to victim support across the special victims unit, juvenile, and district courts – this includes a bilingual advocate essential in overcoming language hurdles, according to the Anne Arundel County press release.
State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess expressed her appreciation for the grant, noting the value such funding provides to those navigating the complexities of the judicial process. "I am grateful that the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy has once again shown their trust in our service to crime victims with this award," she said, per Anne Arundel County news release. Leitess emphasized not only the support afforded to victims but also highlighted the practical fiscal advantages, asserting that the grant is "fiscally responsible – saving County tax dollars while providing these important services."
The afforded grant ensures that victims benefit from the crime victims' services program, which is designed to achieve better outcomes for victims using a trauma-informed approach. This approach includes crucial services such as counseling, treatment, assistance with legal matters, and providing temporary housing.
