---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Team Brady Date: Tue, Mar 26, 2024 at 11:48 AM Subject: ACTION ALERT: Help Support Victims and Survivors of Gun Violence
Friend,
Right now, we have a unique opportunity to support victims and survivors of gun violence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering major changes to a victims compensation program (VOCA) that would expand access and provide life-saving resources. But for these changes to go into effect, the federal government first needs to hear from the American public and know that we support this effort.
Too often, survivors of gun violence are left with crippling medical expenses and face barriers to getting the care they need. This rule would also address current inequities in the system that disproportionately prevent victims of color, particularly Black and Brown people, from receiving just compensation.
Among other things, the proposed changes would:
Provide flexibility and clarity on which medical and mental health expenses are covered under VOCA
Update the definition of “survivor of a victim” to appropriately encompass a broader variety of familial relationships
Prohibit the consideration of a victim’s alleged contributory conduct in determining claim approval, except in specific, extraordinary circumstances
Clarify that states are not required to impose an evidentiary burden on victims of violence
Prohibit the denial of claims based on previous criminal history
Clarify that victims are not obligated to crowdfund or seek out private insurance before qualifying for VOCA
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