ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a $60.5 million investment in federal and state funding to bolster victim services across the state. The funding, administered through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), aims to expand the availability of victim support and resources, according to a press release.

“In partnership, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting victims of crime and ensuring that every Marylander has access to the resources they need to heal and seek justice,” said Governor Moore in the press release. He emphasized the connection between victim support and public safety, stating, “When people feel safe and feel like justice will be served, we have a better chance of getting convictions, closing cases, and restoring trust between our communities and the forces sworn to protect them.”

This funding cycle marks the first time in six years that the GOCPP has implemented a fully competitive and open Victims of Crime Act funding process. This revamped process aims to ensure the efficient and responsible allocation of taxpayer dollars, increase the diversity of service providers and recipients, and expand geographic coverage.

Dorothy Lennig, Executive Director of the GOCPP, highlighted the benefits of this competitive process: “Victims of abuse, trauma and violence need resources and support to transform dire circumstances into hopeful futures. This competitive process has allowed new organizations to access funding–including breaking down barriers that may have previously existed for newer or smaller service providers–so we are able to expand our reach and help more Marylanders.”

The grants will provide crucial support to families of homicide victims, covering expenses such as crime victim payments, forensic exams for sexual assault survivors, sexual assault survivor advocacy services, and legal services for victims. According to the press release, over 85% of funding applicants were awarded, with representation from every jurisdiction in Maryland. The state will contribute $33,958,792 in FY25, while the federal contribution will amount to $26,626,597.

LifeBridge Health Center for Hope and Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence praised the funding, emphasizing its impact on domestic violence victims and rural communities. Adam Rosenberg, Executive Director of the LifeBridge Health Center for Hope, emphasized the crucial role of Victims of Crime Act funds in supporting over 100 victim service providers and tens of thousands of survivors annually. Jeanne Yeager, Executive Director of the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, echoed this sentiment, stating that the funding has been instrumental in providing holistic support to domestic violence victims, helping them achieve safety, emotional healing, and self-sufficiency.

Additional information is available online here.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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