This solicitation is for concepts for new programs to provide direct services to all types of violent crime victims. However, priority will be given to concepts that seek to provide services for elderly victims of crime, victims with disabilities and male victims of crime. In addition, VOCA requires that a minimum of 10% of the federal VOCA grant funds be used to serve each of the following categories of victims: sexual assault; child abuse; domestic violence; and "underserved victims." As such, current funding levels require increases in services for child abuse victims, which are at 7%, domestic violence victims, which are at 1%, and the "underserved victims," which are at 2%. What constitutes "underserved victims" is defined by federal guidelines and includes: victims of federal crimes; victims of assault, robbery, gang violence, hate and bias crimes; victims of intoxicated drivers, bank robbery, economic exploitation and fraud of the elderly (55+), and victims of elder abuse. No additional specifications were given.
