The program’s ability to provide financial assistance to crime victims is directly
related to the health of the Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund. Through a partnership
that includes the Legislature, the Courts, the District Attorneys Council, individual
District Attorneys, crime victims, and crime victim advocates, revenues to the fund
are sufficient to meet the ongoing financial needs of victims at this time.
When demands on the Fund limited awards, the State Legislature and Governor increased
the revenue sources for the Fund. The key to this program’s success has been the
continuous effort to focus on the needs of the victim. While the citizens served
have faced trauma, tragedy and financial loss due to the criminal act of others,
no two victims’ experiences are the same. Staff training on victim issues is a priority
and ensures that each claim is handled with attention to the individual’s unique
experience and needs. Training is offered which highlights the program and the rights
of victims to local service agencies, criminal justice professional and health care
providers. Professionals from these groups have shared valuable insights on how
the program can better meet victims’ needs.
By working the Legislature to put victims first, and by remaining true to the statute
that created this Fund, success and stability has been achieved. While the Crime
Victims’ Compensation Program is proud of its past and the productivity it has achieved,
we are committed to making every effort to ensure that victims continue to receive
all possible assistance from this program, as defined by statute. We encourage staff
to find creative and simple ways to reduce their workload by using technology. We
work closely with those receiving grants from the Victims Crime Act fund to ensure
that helping crime victims obtain compensation is given high priority. We are confident
about our future, and committed to enhancing the level of service that people have
come to expect from the Crime Victims Compensation Program and the Oklahoma District
Attorney’s Council.
Contact Information:
Oklahoma District Attorneys Council
Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Board
421 N.W. 13th, Suite 290
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
405-264-5006
Toll-Free 1-800-745-6098
E-mail: victimsservices@dac.state.ok.us