What is meant by “underserved”?
The term “underserved” derives from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Its intended purpose is to encourage funding for victim service programs other than sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse, for which numerous other resources are already available. To meet the underserved requirement, applicants must identify crime victims by the types of crimes they have experienced (e.g., robbery, survivors of homicide, assault, elderly abuse, DUI/DWI victims). In addition, “underserved” can apply to sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse victims, when identifying gaps in available services by victims’ demographic characteristics. For example, “underserved” victims may be best defined according to their status as senior citizens domestic violence victims, non-English speaking sexual assault victims, or hearing impaired child abuse victims. Each site is encouraged to provide a strong rationale for why the target victim group qualifies as underserved. This rationale can include
