State reminds residents of Criminal Injuries Compensation program

JACKSON, Tenn. – Last year more than 14,000 victims were reimbursed for criminal injuries in the state.

The Tennessee Department of Treasury is bringing attention to a resource many people in the state might not be aware of.

This is the Criminal Injuries Compensation program which provides funds to victims who suffer injuries from someone who commits a violent crime. 

Individuals are eligible if they meet specific requirements. 

“The crime occurred in Tennessee, the crime was reported within 48 hours, the victim is willing to work with authorities to prosecute, and the victim’s actions did not contribute to the crime in any way,” said Shelli King, the Communications Director for the Tennessee Department of Treasury.

Those who meet the requirements can be reimbursed for medical expenses, loss of wages, funeral expenses, and other unforeseen costs. 

Professionals want to bring awareness to the program to let others know there are resources available to help individuals recover from traumatic experiences.  

“More importantly if you are a church, faith-based, or other organization that works with victims, we want you to better understand the program as well so that you can help show people how it can help them recover,” King said.

The agency encourages those who want to understand the program to utilize their free resources. 

“We offer training to what we consider advocates of victims,” King said.

Over the years the program has helped pay more than three $325 million to victims to help them recover from a violent crime. 

For more information on criminal injury compensation and to find out if you or someone you know qualifies, click here.

You can find more news from across the state here.