Tennessee’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Program, which has paid over $350 million to victims, wants victim assistance groups to know it’s a resource

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Treasury’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Program has paid more than $350 million to victims of violent crime in Tennessee since the program’s inception in 1982. During that time, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program has served tens of thousands of innocent victims who had no other means of helping to defray the costs of eligible expenses.

The Tennessee Treasury is joining organizations across the country, April 21 – 27, in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to raise awareness of victims’ rights, inspire the community, and address unmet needs. The theme for the 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, “How would you help?” spotlights options, services, and hope for crime survivors, and is a call-to-action to create safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them.

In observation of the week, State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. wants to increase awareness of online training resources available through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program, as a resource to financially assist victims of crime. The program provides funds of last resort to victims who have suffered personal injuries related to a crime, such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of support to financial dependents, mental health counseling, and more.

Training is available to help anyone regularly working with victims to better understand eligibility and how to apply for compensation. Nonprofits, churches, shelters and other victim assistance programs in Tennessee are encouraged to take the on-demand Criminal Injuries training available on our website, Treasury.tn.gov.

“The Criminal Injuries Compensation Program steps in during one of the greatest times of financial need for a victim by providing funds to help victims when no other means are available,” Treasurer Lillard said. “Treasury is proud of its role in providing more than $350 million to victims over the past four decades.”

Money in the fund can even help with expenses incurred while cleaning the scene of the crime if it occurred in a victim’s home. If the crime results in the death of the victim, the fund can assist remaining dependents with some financial support and can help cover funeral expenses. The fund does not cover certain ineligible expenses, such as rent or utility bills, costs from identity theft or fraud, personal property, or expenses that will be paid by any public or private source, including insurance or donations. The money in the fund comes from fines, penalties, and fees paid by criminals to state and federal

Learn more about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program at treasury.tn.gov/injury.

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