Golden Triangle crime victims received more than $60,000 in assistance from Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood’s office during fiscal year 2015-16.
The AG’s office distributed more than $3.7 million to 1,163 victims across Mississippi. Locally, 10 victims in Lowndes County received a total of $57,221, four victims in Clay County received a total of $18,154, and nine victims in Oktibbeha County received a combined $10,000.
The Crime Victim Compensation Program reimburses eligible crime victims or next-of-kin up to $20,000 per individual for expenses not covered by other sources, such as insurance. Compensation can be used for expenses such as medical treatment, mental health services and funeral costs.
The program is funded by fees assessed to convicted criminals, court-ordered restitution and federal grants.
In order to qualify for the program, victims must report the crime to law enforcement officers within three days of the incident or show good cause for not reporting. The AG’s office must receive the request within 36 months of the crime happening. For child sexual abuse cases, the application must be received within 36 months of the crime being reported, or before the child’s 25th birthday.
Applicants must cooperate with law enforcement investigations and prosecution and cannot have contributed, provoked or in any way caused the injury or death.
“Mississippi residents who are victims of violent crime deserve the assurance that they can receive help to recover and move forward from often times tragic circumstances,” Hood said in a press release. “The Victim Compensation program is funded in large part by convicted criminals whose heinous acts caused the injury and loss sustained by victims. My office is committed to ensuring that crime victims are not re-victimized because of the costs associated with violent crime.”
There is some concern about the program’s future. The Mississippi Legislature directed this year that assessments imposed by courts go to the state’s general fund, instead of the Crime Victim Compensation Fund. Hood has expressed the change could reduce the amount of money available for future victims.
“I have voiced my concern since early this year about the damaging impacts of the 2017 budget on our state’s most vulnerable citizens, as well as the law enforcement officers and first responders who protect us,” Hood said. “No eligible individual should be turned away because of lack of funding for this critical safety net for crime victims.”
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