Governor Larry Hogan Announces $10 Million in Grants for Crime Victims

Awarded to State and Local Agencies and Nonprofit Organizations

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that $10,087,503 in federal grants will be awarded to state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide assistance, services, and treatment for citizens who have been victims of crime. The grants are funded through the federal Victim of Crime Assistance Program, administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention. Funds are used to support services such as crisis intervention, counseling, emergency transportation to court, temporary housing, criminal justice support, and advocacy.
“One of our duties as citizens of this great state is to watch out for each other,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “I can think of no higher calling than to ensure that victims of crime are cared for with dignity and respect. Making sure they have access to the necessary services is essential to our goal of safe neighborhoods for every family in Maryland.”

“Victims of crime often suffer for a long time,” said Christopher Shank, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention. “The trauma of the crime itself can have far-reaching effects, leading to a sense of isolation and a loss of a sense of normalcy. As a state, we have a moral duty to reach out to crime victims, treat them with compassion, and offer them a full range of services to help them regain their footing and take the steps they need to heal after their trauma.” 

Victims of Crime Assistance grants are awarded to organizations that provide direct services to a wide array of crime victims. These agencies include sexual assault and rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs and shelters, child abuse programs, mental health services, and programs for underserved victims. Hospitals and emergency medical facilities that offer crisis counseling, forensic examinations, and other victim services are also eligible for the grants. Criminal justice agencies such as police departments or state’s attorneys’ offices use these funds for victim crisis units, victim advocates, victim registration and notification, and victim-witness programs.

A table of the Victim of Crime Assistance grants can be found here.