the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

Chapter 6: Crime Victims’ CompensationBenefitsIn this chapter you will: Identify eligibility requirements to receive benefits. Review <strong>the</strong> application process. Identify <strong>the</strong> types of benefits available.Victims of violent crime may be eligible to receive benefits through <strong>the</strong> Crime Victims’ Compensation(CVC) Program, administered by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> Office of <strong>the</strong> Attorney General (OAG).Crime victims may receive information and assistance filling out CVC paperwork by a law enforcementvictim liaison, counselor, or coordinator connected with <strong>the</strong>ir local police or sheriff’s department orprosecutor’s office.However, it is very important for advocates working in Domestic Violence programs to be prepared tooffer assistance with CVC because <strong>the</strong> program can be complicated to navigate and your clients may needsome ongoing assistance; <strong>the</strong> process can be time consuming, but <strong>the</strong> benefits offered can be animportant part of a plan to access safety and security. Some victims may not feel as comfortable workingwith law enforcement staff on this issue. Please note that, although CVC benefits may be available tovictims of any violent crime, this chapter is focused on accessing benefits that may be available to victimsof domestic violence, sexual assault, or related crimes.EligibilityTo be eligible for Crime Victims’ Compensation benefits in <strong>Texas</strong>, you must:Be a victim of a violent crime that occurred in <strong>Texas</strong>,Have reported <strong>the</strong> crime to law enforcement in a reasonable amount of time,There is no clear definition of what is reasonable. If some time or substantial time has elapsedbetween <strong>the</strong> date of <strong>the</strong> crime and <strong>the</strong> date of <strong>the</strong> report to law enforcement, it might be helpfuland necessary to submit additional documentation and information to support <strong>the</strong> CVCapplication.Have cooperated with law enforcement,CVC staff screen <strong>the</strong> application and supporting documentation from law enforcement and willdeny an application if <strong>the</strong>y determine that <strong>the</strong> victim was uncooperative or untruthful, amongo<strong>the</strong>r reasons for denial. This is problematic for a number of reasons including, but not limited to: Victims may fear for <strong>the</strong>ir safety or <strong>the</strong> safety of <strong>the</strong>ir children if <strong>the</strong>y are seencooperating with law enforcement.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE51 | P a g e