Catholic Charities NH, one of the state’s largest social services organizations, has been awarded a $146,540 grant from the NH Department of Justice to support the organization’s specialized legal services for immigrant victims of crime in New Hampshire.

The funding will enable Catholic Charities NH to continue its longstanding work under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), offering legal assistance, crisis reduction, and safety planning for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and other crimes. These services are vital in ensuring the safety and stability of victims, helping them navigate legal pathways and access essential community resources.

Immigrant victims often face a higher risk of crime and endure significant physical and emotional trauma, but they may hesitate to seek help or report these crimes due to their immigration status, language barriers, or a lack of knowledge about their legal rights. Catholic Charities NH’s team of multi-lingual attorneys and legal professionals provides compassionate guidance to help these victims escape devastating cycles of violence and become productive members of our society.

In the past year, Catholic Charities NH assisted more than 220 victims of crime. This VOCA work is part of the organization’s Immigration Legal Services program, which provides high-quality legal services and advocacy for eligible individuals under federal law to apply for immigration relief.

The grant period is effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.