NCJ Number
159761
Date Published
1993
Length
212 pages
Annotation
This report describes the activities of the Maryland State Board of Victim Services between October 1, 1992 and October 1, 1993.
Abstract
The State Board of Victim Services and the position of Victim Services Coordinator were created during the 1988 legislative session to coordinate, assess, and make recommendations to the governor concerning State and local efforts to assist crime victims. In 1991, the legislature created the Maryland Victims of Crime fund, which imposes a $20 fee on convicted offenders in the Circuit court and a $10 fee on convicted offenders in District Court to fund programs providing direct services to crime victims. In 1993, the State Board recommended the award of nine grants to programs, developed networking relationships with statewide and nationwide victim advocacy programs and organizations, and provided testimony on important victim legislation. The board also established a special task force to review the issue of polygraphing victims of sexual assault and rape and co-sponsored the third annual statewide memorial service for surviving family members of homicide. The Board recommends several actions, including increased funding with local matching revenues, the establishment of a State technical assistance and resource center, provisions and policies for training of criminal justice professionals, public awareness efforts, and improved procedures for collecting the Maryland Victims of Crime Fund. Appended background materials, charts, and forms