OVIP issued $28 million in grant awards to community-based and hospital settings to address community violence through three of its key grant programs. The awards were made through the Community-Based Violence Intervention Program ($15 million), the Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) ($10 million), and the Trauma Recovery Centers (TRCs) program ($3 million). These grant investments were provided to organizations serving the communities in New Jersey most impacted by gun violence. Starting at the hospital bedside, HVIP providers connect victims of violent crime to a multidisciplinary team of trauma-informed, survivor-centered service providers to facilitate recovery and reduce the long-term impact of victimization. The TRC program also works through community settings to provide outreach to victims of a wide range of crimes who typically are unable to access traditional services. TRC services include mental health and case management. Together these programs are supporting the development of a statewide infrastructure and ecosystem for community violence intervention.
VCCO launched a new online case processing system that will increase and improve access to critical support available to victims of crime. Supported by a federal Building State Technology Capacity grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, the updates to the VCCO’s existing case processing system create a more user-friendly experience for applicants filing from both desktop and mobile devices. Users are now able to file applications in 133 different languages and sign the applications electronically. The new system also provides greater flexibility on the methods of future communication from VCCO – electronic, traditional mail, or both.
VIVA helped secure a multi-year $4,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance and expand existing community violence intervention strategies. One of the largest grant awards the Department has ever received, this project will be led by OVIP, which will use the funds to enhance local coordination among CBVI providers and other human service agencies. Through closer collaboration and strategic enhancements, OVIP will be able to identify service gaps and develop solutions tailored to the needs of communities most affected by violence.
2023 Highlights