FUND EASES FINANCIAL BURDENS OF CRIME VICTIMS

Victims of crime often pay for that crime again and again. They pay, not only in psychological terms, but in expenses they incur from medical bills and lost wages.

That's why the Missouri Crime Victim's Compensation Fund is so valuable. Although nothing can ever make what happened right, this fund can help alleviate some of the financial stress that crime victims face. The program has been particularly beneficial to those crime victims without insurance.

Established in 1983, the fund paid out $3,218,284 statewide during Fiscal 1991 to 789 crime victims. In Cape Girardeau County, 15 crime victims were paid $29,580. That averages out to about $4,079 per person. The money is typically paid to the medical providers with outstanding bills. The victim can receive money for compensation of lost wages. Under state guidelines, the fund pays up to $10,000 in compensation.

The beauty of the program is that much of the funding comes from convicted criminals. It is only right that criminals pay for some of the duress they cause their victims. Upon conviction, judges can order crime victim compensation judgments. The amount is graduated, depending on the seriousness of the crime. Assessments range from $68 for A/B felonies to $46 for C/D felonies and $10 for misdemeanors. The program also receives funding from a $4 court cost fee. This fee is assessed on nearly every case except some non-moving traffic and wildlife offenses.

So far, state funding has kept pace with demand, according to Connie Souden, supervisor of the state program. But that may change as more people hear about the program. She said applications are up almost 60 percent over the same time last year.

Victims must apply for the assistance. Certain guidelines apply: They must be the victim of force or violence involved in a crime, and they must have an out-of-pocket loss of at least $50. The crime must be reported within 48 hours to the proper authorities, and applications must be made within one year of the crime.

Victims apply locally, with the prosecutor's office or police. But the claims are investigated and eligibility is determined by the state. Not all victims receive compensation. Last year, 1,370 applications were received, with 789 of those claims awarded.

Missouri is not alone in offering this service. Most states have similar crime victim compensation assistance. In fact, similar programs can be found around the globe in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, to name a few.

The Missouri Crime Victim's Compensation Fund has proven a solid success, helping to ease the financial burden on crime victims and in a practical way making criminals pay for their crimes.