TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced that more than $10 million in federal funding will be allocated to community-based organizations and local and state agencies providing services directly to crime victims and survivors. 

This funding comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program.

The Barton County Attorney’s Office was among the 65 agencies receiving funds. Barton County will receive $49,984. County Attorney Levi Morris explained that this grant pays the salary of the victim advocate. The county matches by providing the employee benefits.

Barton County has received the VOCA grant every year for at least two decades. “It’s a fairly stable grant program from the state and the feds,” Morris said. 

“These services are vital to the well-being of Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding gives organizations the ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors deserve as they stabilize their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of safety and security.”

VOCA grants help organizations in delivering essential services, which include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement and prosecutors. Other services involve crisis counseling offered by sexual assault and mental health centers, forensic interviews conducted by children’s advocacy centers, as well as shelter, transportation, and transitional housing provided by domestic violence programs.