AG Racine Applauds DCSC Chief Judge Morin's Order To Triple Emergency Shelter Funding For Crime Victims During COVID-19

Increased Funding To Provide Safe Housing, Medical and Mental Health Support for Domestic Violence Survivors 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today issued a statement supporting D.C. Superior Court Chief Judge Robert E. Morin’s order to temporarily raise the emergency shelter spending cap for the Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The CVCP provides financial assistance and reimbursement to victims of violent crime, including survivors of domestic violence who are often in need of emergency shelter until their court cases can be resolved. Prior to the Order, the spending cap was $3,000 and only allowed for approximately 20 days of emergency housing. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG), serving as chair of the Supervisors Committee for the Domestic Violence Intake Centers, requested the D.C. Superior Court increase the CVCP spending cap because domestic violence survivors are now seeing their cases extended for approximately 60 days during COVID-19. The temporary order lasts until October 15 and will provide up to $9,000 per victim to help keep District crime victims safe with emergency housing.

“I fully support Chief Judge Morin’s order to increase emergency funding to help victims of domestic violence, and other residents harmed by crime, to find temporary shelter from their abusers and get medical and mental health support,” said AG Racine. “I thank Chief Judge Morin for his continued compassionate and impressive leadership. During the coronavirus crisis, when domestic violence survivors are uniquely at risk for increased abuse, all arms of District government must do everything we can to protect those most vulnerable from this pandemic’s social and economic effects.”

The Crime Victims Compensation Program provides financial assistance and reimbursement to victims of violent crime and their families with crime-related expenses. In addition to temporary emergency shelter, this fund can help with funeral and burial costs, medical and mental health expenses, lost wages, loss of support, and crime scene clean up. Click here to learn more about CVCP eligibility and how to fill out an application.

Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence
OAG’s Domestic Violence and Special Victims Section works to protect victims of domestic violence by obtaining civil protection orders (CPO) on their behalf and prosecuting individuals who violate CPOs. OAG issued resources for survivors of domestic violence who may be in danger because they are living with their abuser during the COVID-19 emergency. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call or text 911.

Housing Resources
Domestic violence shelters remain open for those in need of safe housing. To learn more about safe housing programs and services, contact:

  • D.C. Department of Human Services 24-hour shelter hotline at 202-399-7093.
  • District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) at 202-290-2356 ext. 101.
  • D.C. Victims Hotline at 1-844-4HELPDC.

OAG’s COVID-19 Resources
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is teleworking until at least April 27. You can access OAG services online and over the phone during our telework period at:

For updates from OAG on COVID-19, consumer tips, resources, and warnings: 

Know Your Rights: Read OAG’s Consumer Alert—available in multiple languages—to protect yourself from scams, price gouging, discrimination, and to get information about consumer, worker, and tenant rights during the pandemic.

For more District Government updates about coronavirus, visit coronavirus.dc.gov

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