Office of Governor
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that nearly $15 million in federal grants have been awarded to 65 crime victims and survivor services organizations, including those in Barton, Ellis and Scott counties.
The funding is provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program to increase access to justice, to support crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, and to strengthen community safety.
“Crime victims and survivor services are critical to the well-being of impacted Kansans,” Kelly said. “This funding ensures these organizations can continue providing services to get victims and survivors the support and justice they deserve.”
VOCA grants support the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims and survivors through direct services. Services include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices; crisis counseling, provided by sexual assault crisis centers and mental health centers; forensic interviews, provided by children’s advocacy centers; and shelter, transportation, and transitional housing, provided by domestic violence programs.
A total of $14,952,784 was awarded. Among the recipients were:
Barton County: Barton County Attorney’s Office-$47,944
Family Crisis Center-$335,927
Ellis County: Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services-$308,841
Scott County: Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center-$479,409