ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER HONORS MASSACHUSETTS RAPE CRISIS CENTER AND ANNOUNCES $1.2 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT FUNDS FOR STATE

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. announced today that the Department of Justice is awarding more than $1.2 million in Recovery Act formula grants for Massachusetts state victim assistance and victim compensation programs. The Attorney General made the announcement in his remarks at the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Awards Ceremony where he recognized the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) in Boston, Mass. for its service to crime victims. The ceremony is a prelude to the nation's observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 26-May 2, 2009.

"We all owe a debt to these honorees and to the countless other advocates across the country who tirelessly work to protect victims' rights," Attorney General Eric Holder said. "The Department of Justice is committed to protecting victims' rights, which is why I'm so pleased we've been able to dedicate funds from the Recovery Act to assist these advocates in their invaluable work."

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) has established itself as a model program for other rape crisis centers across the country, many of which have incorporated BARCC's programs, partnerships, and trainings into their programs.

The Center was founded in 1973 and is one of the oldest rape crisis centers in the country. BARCC began in a room only big enough for a desk, a single mattress, and a telephone. In this room several volunteers willingly took turns spending the night to help victims of sexual assault around the clock. Three and a half decades later, BARCC has a staff of 22 full-time employees; many with advanced degrees and certifications in social work, mental health counseling, public health, law, and business.

More information about the Recovery Act Victim Assistance and Compensation formula grants and National Crime Victims' Rights Week is available at: ojp.gov.

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