Invitation for Public Comment Victims of Crime Act Grant

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is committed to serving Missouri victims of crime through the administration of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant.

The primary purpose of this grant is to support crime victim service agencies and state and local units of government in the provision of direct services to victims of crime. The assistance provided through VOCA grants includes the following comprehensive services: 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, emergency shelter, crisis intervention, court advocacy, emergency transportation, emergency legal assistance, transitional housing, and other services to promote emotional and physical health of victims.

DSS has awarded 2019 VOCA funds to 131 contractors and 2 training/technical assistance providers. A limited amount of funding remains available for allocation from the 2019 grant award. DSS is inviting the public to comment on how to:

  • best utilize and distribute VOCA funds for crime victim services;

  • best locate and identify unmet or emerging needs within communities to best serve crime victims,

  • identify specific items, particularly suited to one time purchases.

The VOCA grant guidelines require that a minimum of 10% of the total funds for each year be distributed for services to each of the following four types of crime victims: domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and underserved.

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The current program area allocations detailed in the chart below: Percent of Federal Grant Year 2019 Funds Allocated by Program Area 5% 13% 46% 36% Domestic Violence Child Abuse Underserved Sexaul Assault

Data to inform your comments may be accessed through an interactive site

This information provides a summary of VOCA funds awarded for the November 1, 2019 September 30, 2021 contract cycle, by county and by program area. It includes the amount of grant awarded to agencies based on the type of services (Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Underserved, Sexual Assault) provided for award allocations from 2017-2019 funds. Crime statistic data is also available at the county level.

Note: Agencies may provide services to victims in multiple counties. Crime victims may choose to access services in any county, regardless of the county of residence.

Comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Comments and questions should be directed to vocapubliccomment@dss.mo.gov

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