EXCLUSIVE: $66 million sent to crime victims in DC over past decade
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — $66 million has been approved for tens of thousands of people in D.C. over the past decade, to recover from traumatic experiences, according to data obtained by DC News Now in a records request with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Victims of crimes can potentially get thousands of dollars for housing, funeral expenses and medical bills, but are subject to strict eligibility requirements to receive compensation.
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Denise Simmons, of D.C., recounts calling police to her home several years ago, as her daughter faced a “tense” domestic dispute several years ago. She said a victims fund came to help.
“They put her [daughter] in a shelter, they did assist her when she finally did move somewhere else. So, they did offer that,” Simmons said.
After the incident, Simmons said she personally applied for money available in D.C.’s Victims Compensation Fund, but was not approved.
Simmons said the domestic dispute happened in her home.
“I was threatened but because I wasn’t a ‘direct victim’ there was no assistance for me. And then I left the house for six months because I was kind of afraid,” she said.
According to a records request, the U.S. Department of Justice said more than 33,000 people have received money from the D.C. Crime Victims Fund since 2013, and $66 million was paid out; $14 million for homicide victims alone.
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Fund applicants are asked a myriad of questions, including if they were a direct or “secondary victim,” descriptions of injuries and losses as a result of crimes.
Crimes listed on the compensation fund application include threats, carjacking, homicide, arson, malicious disfiguring, terrorism and animal cruelty.
Shekita McBroom, a former advisory neighborhood commissioner, told DC News Now the fund covered the costs for temporary housing and wage recovery after a domestic violence situation that happened to her 10 years ago.
“The victims crime compensation has worked. It has worked for me. But there are limitations on how that can work for anyone that is dealing with an issue,” she said.
According to the application, payments can include up to $25,000 for medical expenses, $3,000 for temporary housing, $10,000 for funeral costs and varied amounts for wage loss, mental health expenses, crime scene cleanup and clothing replacements.
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However, the average amount of money sent to victims approved for a claim amounted to $2,250 in recent years, according to data shared by the DC.. Courts system detailing average payments from 2018 to 2022.
“Timing of the compensation and amount clearly depends on the claim – meaning what is requested and how fast the claimant submits the requested documentation,” said Doug Buchanan, a spokesperson for the D.C. Courts system.
Buchanan said court fines, fees and a grant from the DOJ fund the compensation fund.
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