Tennessee Treasury Highlights Financial Assistance Available to Crime Victims

The Tennessee Department of Treasury is highlighting financial assistance available to eligible crime victims and their families as October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The state’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Program can help eligible victims who were injured as a result of a crime in Tennessee, including domestic violence.

The program may provide assistance with expenses including medical bills, lost wages, mental health counseling and loss of financial support to dependents when other resources are unavailable. In cases involving a victim’s death, assistance may also be available for funeral and burial expenses and financial support for qualifying dependents.

The program serves as a source of last-resort funding when insurance or other assistance is unavailable or insufficient. It may also cover certain expenses associated with cleaning a crime scene when the crime occurred in the victim’s home.

The Tennessee Treasury said the program does not cover expenses including rent or utility bills, personal property, losses from identity theft or fraud, or costs that will be paid by insurance, donations or another public or private source.

State officials are also encouraging nonprofits, churches, shelters, law enforcement agencies and other organizations that assist crime victims to learn about the program and how eligible victims can apply for compensation.