Detroit Evening Report: Michigan expands financial assistance for crime victims

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate, Jan. 25, 2023, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich.

Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation program is expanding to include more services and money to help victims of crime in the state.


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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved $30 million for victim services, making it one of the largest investments for victims and survivors in Michigan. The changes took effect on Aug. 12.

Victims of physical, emotional or psychological crimes can receive up to $45,000 in compensation, an 80% increase from the original $25,000.

“This historic expansion in Michigan’s Crime Victim Compensation and the investment in the bipartisan budget I just signed shows our shared commitment to supporting victims across the state,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Since I took office, we have invested $1.5 billion in public safety. As a former prosecutor, this is a top priority for me and I will work with anyone to ensure Michiganders feel safe at home, school, work, and in their neighborhoods.”

Recipients can use the funds for counseling, lost wages or bereavement-related expenses.

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Author

  • Nargis Rahman
    Nargis Hakim Rahman is the Civic Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Rahman graduated from Wayne State University, where she was a part of the Journalism Institute of Media Diversity.