Great Lakes Wire

In the past year, more than 1,000 victims in Michigan have received over $5 million in benefits to help cover costs related to out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost earnings, funeral bills, counseling, and other expenses following an expansion of Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation program. The funding and other resources for crime victims are available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Victim Services.

“We have been able to help crime victims in Michigan get the assistance they need to aid in their recovery,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The physical, emotional and financial impact of trauma can last far beyond the crime itself. The additional funding and expanded services, such as mental health resources, will help them as they heal from these traumatic events.”

Legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer went into effect on Aug. 12, 2023, providing crime victims, their family members and loved ones more equitable access to financial benefits after experiencing a crime in Michigan. Under the new legislation, the program’s eligibility requirements have broadened to include individuals impacted by crime physically, emotionally, psychologically or mentally.

Additionally, the maximum award limit increased from $25,000 to $45,000. These expansions have allowed for more victims to be eligible for compensation benefits, including victims of mass violence incidents who may have experienced mental, psychological and emotional injury.

“These expansions have enabled programs like ours to provide crucial financial relief to victims, their family members and others in our community experiencing the devastating impact of crime,” said Karen Gray Sheffield, Director of the Open Arms Program at Ascension Community Health and appointee representing advocates on Michigan’s Crime Victim Services Commission. “By reducing barriers and improving access to compensation benefits our state continues to prioritize a more victim-centered approach in the way services are provided to crime victims throughout Michigan.”

Since the changes went into effect more than $5 million has been awarded to victims for compensation benefits including those newly added like relocation residential security and bereavement. Program staff have experienced a nearly 50% increase in total compensation claims since the legislation went into effect with additional personnel being hired and trained to directly assist and support victims and claimants.

“Our office regularly sees the benefit of these expansions for the victims we serve,” said Mary Larkin Victim Services Leader at the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. “This eligibility expansion has resulted in many more victims we assist in court being able to receive compensation for mental health treatment housing relocation home security measures and possibly lost wages when the emotional impact of a crime prevents them from immediately returning to work.”

Additional information about the Crime Victim Compensation program is available online:

Infographic: Crime Victim Compensation

Mass Violence Response

To learn more about Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation program visit Michigan.gov/CrimeVictim.

Additional information is available about Michigan’s Crime Victim Services Commission online.

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