SPARTA n Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has awarded $20,390 in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding to the Monroe County Brighter Tomorrows program.

With this funding, Brighter Tomorrows will utilize a legal advocate position, funded at twenty hours per week, to provide services and support to victims of crime, specifically pertaining to domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include 24 hour crisis/information line, crisis intervention, legal and personal advocacy and information and referral to community resources. The legal advocate will follow through on all court proceedings and will follow up with, and assist, victims throughout the legal process as well as in accessing services such as Crime Victim Compensation. Monroe County Shelter Care Brighter Tomorrows is one of 83 programs that Van Hollen has chosen for more than $7.4 million dollars in funding to help crime victims this year. The Attorney General said this money reflects his desire to improve the quality of life for innocent crime victims of all ages who live in communities across Wisconsin. Trauma counseling, crises intervention and other advocacy services are essential to restoring victims to a sense of wellness.

Enacted in 1984, VOCA is administered by the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. An annual state grant is awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice n Office of Crime Victim Services which awards subgrants to local government and nonprofit agencies that directly serve victims of crime.and penalties. No taxpayer monies are used.