RI’s Crime Victim Compensation Program providing assistance to domestic violence victims

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The coronavirus pandemic which has caused a horrifying surge in domestic violence cases.

Through Rhode Island’s Crime Victim Compensation Program victims of domestic violence can get up to $5,000 to pay emergency relocation funds to pay for emergency hotel stays, as well as down payment and security deposit payments for a safe place to live.

Victims can move, the same day if necessary.

“Especially now, during the Coronavirus epidemic, too many victims of domestic violence feel they cannot leave their abusers for financial reasons,” said Treasurer Magaziner.

240 Rhode Islanders received relocation assistance from the CVCP. Of the 240 who received assistance, 42 used funds for emergency hotel stays to escape their abusers immediately.

Victims of violent crimes must file a police report within 10 days in addition to filing a claim with CVCP no later than three years after the crime to be eligible to participate in RI’s CVCP.