Video
How a Federal Fund For Crime Victims Discriminates Against Black and Brown Survivors
November 1, 2021
Fair Access to Victim Compensation
All survivors deserve equitable access to healing.
We are fighting for expanded and equitable access to victim compensation funds.
Fair Access To Victim Compensation is a state-wide campaign led by local New York-based groups and national organizations. Prior to our recent victory in New York State, survivors of violence were subject to onerous law enforcement reporting requirements when filing for victim compensation funds and many were barred from access if they allegedly contributed to the crime in question or failed to show physical injury associated with their harm. This denied resources to countless survivors that could be used to pay for medical bills, funeral expenses, replacement of personal property, relocation expenses, and other costs associated with the harm they experienced.
Our goal is to raise awareness about the victim compensation program and propose several legislative bills to eliminate any barriers to access that survivors face.
This is beginning to change after years of advocacy by Common Justice, a Brooklyn-based alternative to incarceration and victim service provider, and partner organizations, including Safe Horizon, Giffords, and Not Another Child. Their efforts led to the passing of the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act in 2023, and the new victim compensation reforms included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY26 State Budget. These changes represent a significant milestone in New York’s approach to survivor justice and underscore the public’s desire to separate healing services from law enforcement.
To read more about our victory and important changes made to victim compensation policies that went into effect on January 1, 2026, check out our blog post here.
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Join THE FAVC CAMPAIGN
Join AS AN INDIVIDUAL
Sign-up to become a volunteer and help us make New York a state that puts healing first.
VolunteerRelated Resources
Media
Another Voice: New York criminal law must value the possibilities of redemption
January 7, 2020
Press Inquiries
Journalists and others seeking information about the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Campaign and should contact Common Justice’s Director of Communications, Chanda Daniels at cdaniels@commonjustice.org.
Share Your Story
Have you faced challenges or barriers trying to access to victim compensation funds in New York?
We want to hear from you! Sharing your story helps to raise awareness for our mission for expanded and equitable access to victim compensation funds. We will not share your story without your expressed permission.
Our Partners
Steering Committee
Coalition Members
Equal Justice USA (EJUSA)
Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
NY State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV)
Rising Ground – STEPS to End Family Violence, Neighborhood Benches
Release Aging People in Prison (RAPP)
NewHourLI
Good Call
Hands of Excellence
Urban Resource Institute
VOCAL-NY
Giffords
Citizen Action of New York
Center for Community Alternatives (CCA)
Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI)
Alliance of Families
Girls for Gender Equity
Immigrant Defense Project
Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI)
S.O.U.L. Sisters Leadership Collective
New Alternatives For LGBT Homeless Youth
Restorative Action Alliance
Malcolm X Commemoration Committee
Both Sides of the Violence
Womankind
My Angel Doula Alliance
Center for Justice at Columbia University
Urban Grief
The Korean American Family Service Center
Day OneKings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI)
Violence Intervention Program (VIPmujeres)
Sakhi for South Asian Women
Community Justice Action Fund
NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault
Long Live Our Butterfly, Inc
Joyful Heart Foundation
Sanctuary for Families
Where Do We Go From Here
Both Sides of the Violence