J. Ayemoba4, C. Robinson6, R. Nordgren3, M.C. Henry4, C. Romain4, K. Callier4, F. Bouftas7, E. Moos9, M. Francis5, C. Galvan8, F. Cosey-Gay6, P.M. Dowzicky5, T.L. Zakrison5, C. Kvasnovsky4 8Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, Chicago, IL, USA 9University Of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA 3University Of Chicago, Department Of Public Health Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA 4University Of Chicago, Division Of Pediatric Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA 5University Of Chicago, Division Of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA 6University Of Chicago, Crown School Of Social Work, Policy, & Practice, Chicago, IL, USA 7University Of Chicago, Pritzker School Of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
Introduction
Across the United States, 1 million people are injured by violent crimes every year [1]. Crime victim compensation (CVC) was developed to help individuals and their families following violent injury. In Illinois, the maximum award is $45,000. These funds are intended to offset financial burdens related to injury such as medical bills, relocation costs, and funeral expenses. However, administrative obstacles and limited knowledge of this program’s existence may contribute to disparities in CVC. We explored rates of claim acceptance, total award amounts and time to disbursement of CVC within Illinois.
Methods
We completed a freedom of information act (FOIA) request for CVC data from January 2012 to July 2024. In order to determine the proportion of cases awarded within 6 months, we limited our analysis to claims filed by September 31st, 2023.
Results
We identified 46,792 claimants for CVC within Illinois from January 2012 through September 2023. Of these claims 16,883 (36.7%) were awarded. The majority of claims were denied (N=24,035, 52.25%), and 3,772 claims remain open (8.2%). Claims following homicide had the highest proportion of awards (65.16%), followed by those after assault (31.89%). Total amount awarded was also the largest following homicide (Median: $7,500, IQR: 5,400-7,500). There was no disparity in median time to award payout across racial groups. However, median time to award ranged from 267 to 293 days. Overall, only 10,913 claims were resolved within 6 months (23.72%). Black applicants composed the largest portion of denied claims (N=9,055, 37.7%) and comprised almost half of all claims denied on the basis of ‘victim conduct’ (N=1,923, 42.5%).
Conclusion
CVC within Illinois is an underutilized tool in supporting injured persons following violent crime. Advocacy from trauma programs, hospitals, and the public is needed to encourage and support survivors in pursuit of this program. Further analysis into practices for claims denial is also warranted given the number of unsuccessful claims and racial disparities.
Works Cited
1. Kirkner, Anne, and Jaclyn Houston-Kolnik. Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, ICJIA, 24 June 2019, icjia.illinois.gov/researchhub/articles/financial-assistance-for-illinois-victims-crime-victim-compensation-fund.