The General Treasurer’s Distinguished Service Award was created to recognize local individuals and organizations whose support has helped the state’s Treasurer’s Office provide exemplary services to the people of Rhode Island.
In August, Treasurer Seth Magaziner presented the Nonviolence Institute with a Distinguished Service Award for our work with the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. Our Intervention Services Team and the state’s Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) helped over 1,000 victims of violent crime meet the unexpected financial burdens of victimization, dispersing more than $1 million in relief to Rhode Islanders in need.
The Nonviolence Institute Intervention Team comprising Victim Advocates and Street Outreach Specialists respond to every violent incident in the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are often the first point of contact between the CVCP and the victims and families who require services to begin to heal. Lost wages, medical expenses, relocation, mental health counseling, and funeral expenses can be covered with CVCP funds.
Our Victim Advocates are trained to support victims of crime. They offer emotional support, assist with filing victims’ compensation forms, educate victims about their rights, and help find needed resources and assistance. Our advocates frequently accompany victims and their family members through criminal justice proceedings. Victim Advocates’ responsibilities vary depending on the situation, and they are adept at supporting our clients no matter what services they may need. We are grateful to Treasurer Magaziner for recognizing our work with victims and families.