East Texas

East Texas agencies that assist victims of crime were awarded more than $360,000 Thursday morning.

More than $20.9 million was distributed to 179 programs to help victims of crime throughout the state. These grants are awarded under the federal Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA) and distributed by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD).

In East Texas the recipients include: the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County, $80,000; Henderson County HELP Center Inc., $80,000; East Texas Crisis Center, Inc., $80,000; Shelter Agencies For Families in East Texas, Inc., $54,836; Smith County Crime Victims’ Services, $27,597 and the Wood County Victim Services Project, $41,369.

“Texas has an obligation not only to protect its citizens, but to offer support and rehabilitation in the event they become victims of a crime,” Gov. Rick Perry said. “It is important to all Texans that we support programs that protect victims, administer justice and provide a safer living environment for all residents.”

VOCA funding supports programs that address family violence, child abuse, sexual assault and other violent crimes, and provides crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, criminal justice advocacy and emergency transportation to help victims recover.

Each year, CJD contributes to public safety and the reduction of crime in Texas through the deliberate deployment of strategy, direction and funding. The division administers more that $113 million in both state and federal funds to support criminal justice, juvenile justice and victim restoration efforts.