WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs has awarded a $1,909,000 grant to the Iowa Department of Justice in Des Moines through the fiscal 2009 Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program.
The Iowa Department of Justice will use the funds to enhance victim compensation payments to eligible crime victims.
"Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act more than 20 years ago to provide crime victims needed assistance after their lives are turned upside down by criminals," Grassley said. "This fund is unique because no taxpayer funds are used. Instead fines and restitution paid by federal criminals are used to pay for medical care, mental health counseling, lost wages and other forms of victims assistance."
The funds for the Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program come from restitution payments and fines paid by criminal defendants. The money is then distributed by formula to states which in turn distribute the funds to local organizations that provide services to crime victims.