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horizontal line break Chapter 3 Specific Justice Systems and Victims' Rights Section 2, Federal Justice Abstract Since the passage of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982, there has been considerable emphasis placed on the implementation of victims' rights and provision of quality victim services at the federal level. The 1995 Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance, as well as the passage of six major federal laws affecting victims, define the scope of victims' rights and services for victims of federal crimes. Efforts at the federal level to coordinate the delivery of services to victims have produced collaborative initiatives that improve victims' rights and services. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this section, students will understand the following concepts: * Major laws affecting federal victims of crime. * The 1995 Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. * The Office for Victims of Crime response to coordinate services and assistance to federal crime victims. * The availability and coordination of victims' rights and services at the federal level. * Significant federal initiatives that have strengthened victims' rights and services at the federal level. Statistical Overview * During 1998, U.S. Attorneys initiated investigations involving 115,692 suspects for possible violations of federal law. Almost a third (32%) of those investigated were suspected of a drug violation (BJS September 1999). * Between 1994 and 1998, investigations initiated by U.S. Attorneys have increased by 16.5%--from 99,251 to 115,692. Investigations for immigration violations increased from 5,526 to 14,114; investigations for drug offenses increased from 29,311 to 36,355 (Ibid.). * Criminal charges were filed against 78,172 defendants in U.S. district courts during 1998--a 25% increase since 1994 (Ibid.). * In 1998, 89.9% of defendants charged with felonies were convic

horizontal line break Chapter 3 Specific Justice Systems and Victims' Rights Section 2, Federal Justice Abstract Since the passage of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982, there has been considerable emphasis placed on the implementation of victims' rights and provision of quality victim services at the federal level. The 1995 Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance, as well as the passage of six major federal laws affecting victims, define the scope of victims' rights and services for victims of federal crimes. Efforts at the federal level to coordinate the delivery of services to victims have produced collaborative initiatives that improve victims' rights and services. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this section, students will understand the following concepts: * Major laws affecting federal victims of crime. * The 1995 Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. * The Office for Victims of Crime response to coordinate services and assistance to federal crime victims. * The availability and coordination of victims' rights and services at the federal level. * Significant federal initiatives that have strengthened victims' rights and services at the federal level. Statistical Overview * During 1998, U.S. Attorneys initiated investigations involving 115,692 suspects for possible violations of federal law. Almost a third (32%) of those investigated were suspected of a drug violation (BJS September 1999). * Between 1994 and 1998, investigations initiated by U.S. Attorneys have increased by 16.5%--from 99,251 to 115,692. Investigations for immigration violations increased from 5,526 to 14,114; investigations for drug offenses increased from 29,311 to 36,355 (Ibid.). * Criminal charges were filed against 78,172 defendants in U.S. district courts during 1998--a 25% increase since 1994 (Ibid.). * In 1998, 89.9% of defendants charged with felonies were con

Page 1 Revised: 1/2003 Victim of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Program Guidelines for FY2004 Table of Contents Introduction Authority I. Legislative and Funding History A. 1982 President's Task Force on Victims B. 1988 Reauthorization of VOCA C. 1993 Amendments D. 1994 Amendments E. 1995 Amendments F. 1996 and 1997 Amendments G. 1999 and 2002 Appropriations H. Funding to Massachusetts II. Victim Population A. Priority Victim Populations 1. Child Abuse 2. Adult Sexual Assault 3. Domestic Violence 4. Survivors of Homicide Victims B. Other Victim Populations III. Agency and Program Eligibility Criteria A. State or Non Profit Standing B. Demonstrate Record of Effective Services C. Matching Contributions D. Volunteers E. Coordinated Public and Private Efforts F. Assist with Victim Compensation G. Comply with VOCA Provisions and Guidelines H. Client-Counselor Confidentiality I. Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion J. Provide Services to Victims of Federal Crimes K. Provide Services to Crime Victims at No Charge L. VOCA Guidelines Training M. Non-Discrimination Page 2 Revised: 1/2003 1. Civil Rights 2. Disabilities N. Certification of Drug-Free Workplace O. Abide by Additional Eligibility Criteria IV. VOCA Eligible Services A. Allowable Direct Costs 1. Services which respond to the emotional and physical needs 2. Costs directly related to providing direct service 3. Services and activities that assist the primary and secondary victims 4. Services directed to the needs of victims within the CJ system 5. Costs necessary and essential to providing direct services 6. Services which assist crime victims with managing practical problems 7. Professional fees are allowed only under special circumstances B. Other Related Allowable Costs 1. Skills Training for Staff 2. Training Materials 3. Training Related Travel 4. Equipment and furniture that is necessary and essential 5. Advanced Technologies 6. Food and/o

Page 1 Revised: 1/2003 Victim of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Program Guidelines for FY2004 Table of Contents Introduction Authority I. Legislative and Funding History A. 1982 President's Task Force on Victims B. 1988 Reauthorization of VOCA C. 1993 Amendments D. 1994 Amendments E. 1995 Amendments F. 1996 and 1997 Amendments G. 1999 and 2002 Appropriations H. Funding to Massachusetts II. Victim Population A. Priority Victim Populations 1. Child Abuse 2. Adult Sexual Assault 3. Domestic Violence 4. Survivors of Homicide Victims B. Other Victim Populations III. Agency and Program Eligibility Criteria A. State or Non Profit Standing B. Demonstrate Record of Effective Services C. Matching Contributions D. Volunteers E. Coordinated Public and Private Efforts F. Assist with Victim Compensation G. Comply with VOCA Provisions and Guidelines H. Client-Counselor Confidentiality I. Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion J. Provide Services to Victims of Federal Crimes K. Provide Services to Crime Victims at No Charge L. VOCA Guidelines Training M. Non-Discrimination Page 2 Revised: 1/2003 1. Civil Rights 2. Disabilities N. Certification of Drug-Free Workplace O. Abide by Additional Eligibility Criteria IV. VOCA Eligible Services A. Allowable Direct Costs 1. Services which respond to the emotional and physical needs 2. Costs directly related to providing direct service 3. Services and activities that assist the primary and secondary victims 4. Services directed to the needs of victims within the CJ system 5. Costs necessary and essential to providing direct services 6. Services which assist crime victims with managing practical problems 7. Professional fees are allowed only under special circumstances B. Other Related Allowable Costs 1. Skills Training for Staff 2. Training Materials 3. Training Related Travel 4. Equipment and furniture that is necessary and essential 5. Advanced Technologies 6. Food and/o