For Immediate Release
January 5, 2007
Contact: Tim Nyquist
(814) 726-7201
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Scarnati Announces $720,212 in Crime Victims Assistance Grants

Funds will provide advocacy, court assistance for victims throughout 25th Senatorial District

Harrisburg – State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) announced today that $720,212 in state grants are being awarded throughout the 25th Senatorial District to support initiatives aiding crime victims.

Scarnati said the funds – the bulk of which come from penalties paid by offenders; not tax dollars -- will assist crime victims in Jefferson, Elk, McKean, Cameron, Potter, Tioga, Warren and Clearfield counties.

"For victims of crime, the crime itself represents only the beginning of their struggle, not the end," said Scarnati. "Offenders have attorneys and clearly defined rights with many of said offenders being all too familiar with the criminal justice system. The average citizen requires the same familiarity."

The senator said most of the funds ($510,450) are being awarded to district attorney offices and victim service programs to provide advocacy for victims of adult offenders, including crisis intervention, notification of court proceedings, court accompaniment, help with victim impact statements and assistance in filing a claim with Pennsylvania’s victim compensation assistance program. These funds were generated from penalties levied against offenders in the criminal justice system under the state’s Rights and Services Act.

The remaining funds are being awarded in the form of Victims of Juvenile Offenders (VOJO) grants, and will be used to provide aid to victims of offenders being prosecuted through the juvenile justice system.

Senator Scarnati announced the following grants for the 25th Senatorial District:

• Cameron County ($78,750)
  • Cameron County District Attorney’s Office -- $58,750 (RASA)
  • Citizens Against Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse Inc. --$20,000 (VOJO)

• Clearfield County ($148,300)
• County Commissioners -- $98,248 (RASA)$50,052 (VOJO)

• Elk County ($78,750)
• Citizens Against Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse Inc. – $58,750 (RASA) $20,000 (VOJO)

• Jefferson County ($87,908)
• Jefferson County District Attorney's Office -- $59,702 (RASA) $28,206 (VOJO)
• McKean County ($82,872)
• McKean County District Attorney’s Office -- $58,750 (RASA)
• McKean County Juvenile Probation -- $24,122 (VOJO)

• Potter County ($78,750)
• Potter County District Attorney's Office -- $58,750 (RASA) $20,000 (VOJO)
• Tioga County ($84,926)
• County Commissioners -- $58,750 (RASA) $26,176 (VOJO)

• Warren County ($79,956)
• The Safe Place -- $58,750 (RASA) $21,206 (VOJO)

The grants are distributed every two years based on a formula that averages the five most recent years of crime statistics, local penalty collections and county population. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

"While our focus remains where it should, on preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice, it is important to provide strong advocacy and support for crime victims. These grants will permit victims of crime to understand they are not alone as they make their way through the criminal justice system," said Scarnati.