LOWEY ANNOUNCES $270,000 FOR ROCKLAND COUNTY VICTIM SPECIALIST PROGRAM

Statement

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced Rockland County has been awarded $270,000 from the Department of Justice (DOJ) FY 2020 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program. This victim services support grant will enable county law enforcement to provide expanded victim services with resources needed to quickly and effectively assist crime victims with any compensation needs and inform them of their legal rights.

"All victims deserve the best assistance available," said Congresswoman Lowey. "Ensuring that crime victims are adequately compensated and properly informed of all their rights is essential for them to begin their pursuit of justice. We must make the justice process easier for them in any and every way we can."

The new funding will enable the Rockland County District Attorney's Office to train a staff member to be devoted to victims' assistance efforts full-time.

"My office was awarded a Federal Grant to provide a Victim Specialist to our Special Victims Unit. I'm grateful for the assistance Congresswoman Nita Lowey gave to our office in navigating the grant process," said Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh. "The Congresswoman's continued support of Rockland County has been a hallmark of her storied career."

Congresswoman Lowey has always fought on behalf of victims in need. In July, as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey led the House in the passage of a fiscal year 2021 spending package that includes $40 million for the Special Victims' Counsel and $95 million for Victims of Trafficking grants.

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