The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) within the Department of Justice (DOJ) administers the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), which provides grants to states for victim compensation and assistance programs, along with other activities to support victims of crime. Funding for the CVF fluctuates significantly each year. As a result, the amount available to states each year is limited by an obligation cap set by Congress.
This brief provides background on the CVF, describes how the obligation cap is set and how consequent allocations are made, and discusses recent developments.