PHX Reporter

Office of the Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued the following announcement on Sept. 15.

Governor Doug Ducey announced $1.2 million to assist hundreds of Arizonans who are victims of crime and need financial support for counseling and other necessary services.

“Protecting vulnerable Arizonans and their families is a top priority,” said Governor Ducey. “We must do more to ensure they are protected and secure — and today’s investment will help those affected by crime access much-needed resources and services.”

The funding will stabilize the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s (ACJC) Victims Compensation and Assistance Fund, which serves as a safety net for crime victims and provides critical resources to one of Arizona's most vulnerable populations.

"The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission is committed to providing financial assistance to survivors of crime and strengthening our services to better support their families during very difficult times," said ACJC Chairwoman and Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk. "Thank you to Governor Ducey for investing in crime victims and providing critical resources to those Arizona families in their time of crisis."

Individuals who are eligible for the funding may use it for expenses such as medical or dental needs; mental health counseling; funeral and burial costs; lost wages/loss of support; crime scene clean-up; and some transportation costs. Recipients also may use the funding to respond to economic consequences of the public health emergency.

“My thanks goes to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for their work to meet the needs of Arizonans who are victims of crime and serve at-risk individuals and families,” the Governor said.

The funding comes from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, and the investment will assist approximately 400 victims who have experienced financial loss as a result of criminal activity.

Original source can be found here.