Federal aid for victims of violent crime signed into law

Victims of violent crime across Ohio will no longer be denied access to financial support towards medical, funeral, and other associated costs as Gov. Mike DeWine signs Senate Bill 36 into law.

After an investigation lead by the Dayton Daily News, Ohio lawmakers proposed reforms to its victim compensation program. Various rules embedded in the program deny many victims of violent crimes access to otherwise guaranteed aid.

This law reform is a huge victory for Dion and the rest of the family of Derrick Fudge, who were denied help after the fatal shooting in the Oregon District, due to a decade old felony conviction.

This law opens doors to people previously denied access to these funds, enabling them to address their trauma by getting the help they deserve. Green is hopeful that this action will lead to societal change in regards to mental health, so that it might be mitigated.

Once the law becomes active in March, 2022, Victims will no longer be discriminated against because of their criminal history unless they are a participant in the incident in which they were victims.

Other Changes Include:

• No longer denies assistance to those in possession of drugs
• Family members who witness or show up immediately following the event, as well as children suffering from sexual violence, are eligible for assistance
• Acknowledgement that families of people killed in violent crimes are victims themselves, thus enabling the them to access government aid

Read more about the new change in SB 36 here to hear what Dion and lawmakers had to say about the bill!