During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed April 10-16, State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. wants to remind the public of a fund designed to help innocent victims of violent crimes in Tennessee. 

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund serves victims who have no other means of helping to defray the costs of eligible expenses, including medical bills, mental health counseling, and lost wages. Money in the fund can even help with the expenses incurred while cleaning the scene of certain crimes, if it occurred in the home of the victim or a victim’s relative. If the crime results in the death of the victim, the fund can help eligible dependents with some financial support and can help cover funeral expenses.  

Expenses which can be paid by other resources - such as health or auto insurance, workers’ compensation, donations and other public or private resources – are not eligible for reimbursement. 

“This is a fund of last resort,” says Treasurer Lillard. “One would hope to never be a victim, but we all know bad things do happen. When you have no other means, please know there may be help through this program.” 

A program of the Tennessee Treasury Department, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program was created in 1982 and has paid more than $266 million to help crime victims in Tennessee begin to restore hope and recover from the financial burden of victimization. More information about who will qualify for assistance and what expenses may be eligible are detailed in a fund brochure. As a service to victims, assistance in Spanish is also available. 

The money paid by criminals for fines, penalties, and fees helps to fund the program. 

More information on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund and the program can be found at treasury.tn.gov/injury. 

About National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual

observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) every April by promoting victims’ rights, and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be held April 10-16, and the theme—Serving Victims. Building  Trust. Restoring Hope.—presents the opportunity to highlight the importance of providing needed services at the earliest stage of victimization. Early intervention helps prevent both further victimization and involvement in the criminal justice system, thus addressing the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.