View Research by Author - Judy Bonderman

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/JudyBonderman

In 1984, VOCA established the Crime Victims’ Fund (CVF) to supplement states’ victim compensation and assistance programs, and has disbursed over $3.2 billion. As part of an ongoing project evaluating these programs, the Urban Institute and SANDAG surveyed state administrators regarding current policies, practices, contentious issues, and areas for program improvements. Findings indicate that state programs are generally functioning well but could improve operations in several areas: planning, training, outreach, and coordination. Further development of responses to fluctuations in expenditures from the CVF and development of policies for future uses of funds currently held for victim-related spending are also needed.

The purpose of the study was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of victim compensation and VOCA assistance programs at helping to deliver a seamless web of support to assist victims in their struggle to recover from the financial, emotional, physical, and psychological effects of criminal victimization. We approached this task through telephone surveys, site visit interviews, and focus groups with state administrators; members of oversight bodies; victim advocacy groups; VOCA-funded local service providers; victims who claimed compensation; and victims who accessed VOCA-funded direct service programs.

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