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2/14/2025
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Chairmen Craven and LaMountain introduce V.I.C.T.I.M. Act
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STATE HOUSE – House Judiciary Chairman Robert E. Craven and Senate Judiciary Chairman Matthew L. LaMountain joined advocates at the State House on Wednesday to introduce and advocate for the passage of the Victims of Crime Trauma Informed Mobilization (V.I.C.T.I.M.) Act.
The legislation (2025-H 5390, 2025-S 0258) would establish a VICTIM Fund grant program to support nonprofit organizations providing victim services in Rhode Island. The act would allocate at least $30 million annually for the program, along with funding for a full-time position within the Department of Public Safety to manage and oversee the grant program.
“Funding for victim service organizations has been consistently underfunded on the federal and state level for decades, and without the funding needed to operate these dedicated organizations, individuals who have experienced devastating and life-altering crimes are left on their own, without hope, support or the ability to overcome the significant trauma they have experienced. By passing the V.I.C.T.I.M. Act, Rhode Island will establish a dedicated fund to assist and support victims of serious crimes, which is the right thing to do,” said Chairman Craven (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown).
“Rhode Island has a long, proud tradition of welcoming people with nowhere else to turn. This is why we absolutely must do more to support people who have been victims of crime. I have seen the toll that domestic violence and sexual assault takes on victims, and I have seen what a powerful difference can be made when victims are connected with caring and compassionate support. By passing the V.I.C.T.I.M. Act, we will help ensure that these indispensable organizations can continue their work, and we will go a long way toward meeting our state’s obligation to the victims of crime,” said Chairman LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston).
Chairman Craven’s bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee and Chairman LaMountain’s bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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