BRAVE is funded through the State of New Jersey VOCA Program. VOCA funds are used to ensure that crime victims are treated with fairness, compassion, and respect by the criminal justice system to prevent secondary victimization by the system.
Federal Victims of Crime Act funds are generated by assessments levied on offenders of federal crimes and are used to support services to victims of violent crimes. The VOCA Rules define a crime victim as “as a person who has suffered physical, financial or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.” 28 C.F.R. § 94.102. The Rules define direct services as those efforts that (1) respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims, (2) assist victims of crime to stabilize their lives after victimization, (3) assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, and (4) restore a measure of safety for victims of crime. Id. VOCA also seeks to encourage public and private non-profit agencies to commit other resources to victim services projects, in conjunction with federal funds, by requiring matching funds (cash or in-kind services) to achieve the program objectives.
