Annapolis, MD – Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess is pleased to announce that her office has received grant funding to help support resources for victims of crime.
The State’s Attorney’s Office was awarded $241,422 from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP). The funds are made available from the Federal Office for Victims of Crime from the Victim Assistance Formula Grant (CFDA#16.575) and State of Maryland Victims of Crime Act State General Funds (VOCG).
As the State Administering Agency for the VOCG grant, the GOCPP awards these funds only to those programs with a proven track record of service to crime victims.
With this grant, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County is able to serve victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child sexual abuse, as well as general crimes such as assaults, hate and bias crimes, intoxicated drivers and economic crimes. The Grant funds 75% of the salaries for 4 full-time victim advocates serving in the special victims unit, juvenile, and the district court, which also includes a bilingual position.
State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess commented, “I am grateful that the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy has once again shown their trust in our service to crime victims with this award. Having these positions provides critical support to victims who face the daunting experience of court proceedings. Additionally, this grant funds a bilingual victim advocate who can break down language barriers that otherwise might exist. Finally, it’s fiscally responsible – saving County tax dollars while providing these important services.”
The project seeks to increase safety, self-sufficiency, and awareness of resources by providing comprehensive services to victims. In addition, with the hope of building trust and participation in the justice system, the VOCG funded bilingual victim specialist serves victims and witnesses in three courthouses within the county.
The SAO’s victim services program was designed to improve outcomes for victims while adhering to best practices and while using a trauma-informed approach, including:
- Connection to available resources in the community such as counseling, treatment, legal services, and temporary housing for victims and their families
- Imparting strategies for safety and self-sufficiency to prevent re-victimization and gain independence from abusive partners
- Assistance with restitution requests, crime victim’s compensation applications and victim impact statements for court
- Court accompaniment for victims
- Victims’ rights education