Senate President Matt Huffman Announces Expanded Help for Victims of Violent Crime
March 4, 2021
Matt Huffman News
COLUMBUS—Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) announced unanimous passage of Senate Bill 36, expanding eligibility for financial help available for victims of violent crime.
In addition to simplifying the application process, the bill extends the program to a family member who either witnessed the crime or arrived shortly after.
“The trauma suffered by these families lasts for a long time, as they carry this heavy and unfair burden. This bill makes it easier to access the critical help this program offers,” said Huffman.
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Steve Huffman from Dayton and Nathan Manning from North Ridgeville.
"Simply because you were not directly harmed in a violent crime, does not mean you are not a victim who experiences deep trauma from a violent event," said Manning. "This bill will have a meaningful impact for victims who have previously been excluded, and I am proud to join my Senate colleagues in providing assistance to those who are in need of additional help in their recovery."
The program is focused on those who suffered severe trauma that affects their ability to participate in normal daily life. These cases involve homicides, sexual assaults and other crimes resulting in a permanent injury.
"Those who have experienced severe trauma from violent crimes, such as those impacted by Dayton's Oregon District shooting in 2019, deserve our help and support as they grapple with those unimaginable events," said Huffman, sponsor of Senate Bill 36. "Their pain still weighs heavily on my heart, and it is my hope that this legislation will aid them in their recovery."
The bill also expands the definition to include caretakers of a dependent victim of sexual assault.
In addition to simplifying the application process, the bill extends the program to a family member who either witnessed the crime or arrived shortly after.
“The trauma suffered by these families lasts for a long time, as they carry this heavy and unfair burden. This bill makes it easier to access the critical help this program offers,” said Huffman.
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Steve Huffman from Dayton and Nathan Manning from North Ridgeville.
"Simply because you were not directly harmed in a violent crime, does not mean you are not a victim who experiences deep trauma from a violent event," said Manning. "This bill will have a meaningful impact for victims who have previously been excluded, and I am proud to join my Senate colleagues in providing assistance to those who are in need of additional help in their recovery."
The program is focused on those who suffered severe trauma that affects their ability to participate in normal daily life. These cases involve homicides, sexual assaults and other crimes resulting in a permanent injury.
"Those who have experienced severe trauma from violent crimes, such as those impacted by Dayton's Oregon District shooting in 2019, deserve our help and support as they grapple with those unimaginable events," said Huffman, sponsor of Senate Bill 36. "Their pain still weighs heavily on my heart, and it is my hope that this legislation will aid them in their recovery."
The bill also expands the definition to include caretakers of a dependent victim of sexual assault.