Mission & History

Mission Statement

The mission of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund is to administer the Compensating Victims of Crime Act in a compassionate, fair and efficient manner. In so doing, VVF strives to treat every victim and survivor with dignity and respect, recognizing the tremendous impact that violent crime has upon our society.

History

On July 1, 1977, the Virginia Compensating Victims of Crime Act was enacted to help victims that suffer injuries as a result of crime (§ 19.2-368.1 et seq.). The program is administered by the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Funding is derived through fines levied against individuals convicted of felonies and misdemeanors in the courts of the Commonwealth (§ 19.2-368.18(B)) and through federal grants under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) (Victims of Crime Act of 1984, Pub. L. No. 104-235, codified at 42 U.S.C. §§ 10601-10605, 18 U.S.C. § 3050).

As of July of 2008, VVF also administers the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Payment Program for the Commonwealth. Funds are transferred from the Supreme Court for this purpose and the policies governing SAFE payments are approved by the Commission per §19.2-368.3(1)(i) in a separate manual.

In 2014, in order to reach as many eligible victims in Virginia as possible, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund began a rebranding project. Doing business as the Virginia Victims Fund ensures that allied professionals and clients more easily recognize the services provided by VVF.

As of July 2018, VVF was mandated to collect and disburse unclaimed restitution pursuant to § 19.2-368.3 (9) of the Code of Virginia. Policies and procedures for the receipt, collection, and disbursement of unclaimed restitution to victims of crime is held in a separate manual. § 19.2-368.3 (9)(10)