Missouri gets big increase in federal grant to help victims

nixonAt a time when Kansas City and many other cites are dealing with more homicides, Missouri is getting a big increase in federal grant money for crime victims.

Kansas City police say at least 16 of the city’s 73 homicides this year are related to domestic violence, and efforts to combat it could get more funds.

The statewide grant of $36.7 million through the Federal Victims of Crime Act is four times larger than last years funding, Gov. Jay Nixon said in a Monday media release.

“Through this increased funding, we can help provide greater assistance to domestic violence shelters, victim advocate programs and other efforts that bring greater safety and stability to the lives of crime victims,” Nixon said.

Also from his release:

The grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs went to the Missouri Department of Public Safety and funding can be spent through Sept. 30, 2018.

Eligible services include rape crisis shelters and intervention, domestic violence shelters and other emergency services, child abuse treatment and support services, and court related services.

The grant funding to Missouri last year was less than $8.7 million and other states are also receiving big increases.

More information about the VOCA grants

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