WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the state of Mississippi will be awarded more than $1 million in U.S. Department of

Justice (DOJ) funds for support and recovery services for victims of violent crime and their families.

The DOJ Office of Justice Programs has approved a $1,116,000 grant to support the Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation program  www.ago.state.ms.us/images/uploads/forms/brochure2007.pdf.  The formula grant funding will allow crime victims or their families to be reimbursed for certain costs associated with violent crimes.  For example, some recoverable costs include lost wages, medical and mental health treatments, home damage repairs and funeral costs.

"Innocent victims of crime can turn to this program to ease the cost burdens they may encounter in rebuilding their lives," Cochran said.  "I am pleased the Justice Department is awarding this funding to continue this program in our state."

This federal grant derives from the Crime Victims Fund, which Congress created in the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/welcovc/welcome.html. In addition to federal aid, the Mississippi program, which is administered by the state Office of the Attorney General, operates on revenue generated from fees, fines and court-ordered restitution imposed on convicted criminals.