Stimulus funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act will be used by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to aid crime victims throughout the state. The program is designed to connect recovering victims with outside support for healing and community-based crisis intervention assistance. The $1.15 million in funds has been earmarked specifically to help victims of sexual assault.
In addition to various community resources, sexual assault survivors in Colorado will also receive support for medical support, safety planning, confidential crisis intervention and more. Recent surveys show that there has been more than a 75% increase in requests for sexual assault victim support in the past several years. A CDHS official stated that this is the first federally funded program of its kind to help victims of sex crimes in this state as they strive to recover after an assault.
Restitution for sexual assault victims is also available
Recovering from a sexual assault is often a long, arduous process. Those who have fallen victim to sex crimes may have suffered physical injuries, as well as severe emotional trauma. Colorado law allows recovering victims to seek restitution by filing a personal injury claim in a civil court.
In cases where criminal charges have also been filed, a plaintiff in a civil suit may offer proof of a related criminal conviction to establish the right to financial relief. Because litigation regarding a sexual assault is highly stressful, it is wise to seek support from an experienced personal injury attorney before heading to court. It would be particularly helpful to act alongside an attorney who has experience in helping sexual assault victims obtain financial recovery for their losses.