Illinois Crime Victims Can Apply For Compensation On Net
By Steve Bauer
Originally published in The News-Gazette, March 11, 2002
CHAMPAIGN — Victims of violent crimes may now apply for compensation on the Internet.
Secretary of State Jesse White, visiting Champaign and Urbana on Friday for events including a training session at the Lincoln Trails Library System office in Champaign, said the new Internet access will help victims of violent crime recover lost wages, medical or counseling expenses through the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Act.
The act became effective in 1973, according to Ellen Schanzle-Haskins, director of the Court of Claims. About 6,500 people applied for compensation in 2001, she said. The majority got something.
As clerk of the Court of Claims, White distributes $25 million annually to victims of violent crimes with money from federal and state sources. White said Friday he was concerned that many crime victims do not know where to go for help. As state librarian, White decided that local libraries were a logical place to provide such information.
About 50 people from 10 area counties, including librarians, law enforcement and victim advocates, attended the training session Friday conducted by staff from White's office, along with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
The training includes information about the dynamics of rape cases, the cycle of violence in domestic battery cases, information on shelter and counseling and how to apply for the victim compensation fund.
"Victims of violent crime often need money to pay for counseling or medical bills. Many times, they can't work, so they lose wages," White said. "We pay the bills for qualified individuals up to $27,000."
To be eligible, a crime victim must report the crime to police within 72 hours and cooperate with law enforcement. The law also excludes any crime victim who contributed to the death or injury of a crime victim. They must lack adequate insurance or other sources of money to cover their expenses.
Victims also are required to complete an application to receive compensation. Prior to Internet access being made available, victims would have to go to a police station or victim advocacy office. Applications may now be made through the secretary of state's Web site at www.cyberdriveillinois.com by clicking on the "Help for Victims" icon, going to departments and then to Court of Claims.
