Minnesota Crime Victim Reparations and the Police Report Requirement: How tying crime victim compensation to the criminal justice system limits access for victims of diverse backgrounds

Abstract

The Crime Victim Reparations Board (CVR) is an Office of Justice Program within the Minnesota Department of Public Safety that provides financial compensation to victims of private crimes to cover incurred costs resulting in injury or death. The program determines eligibility of applicants through requirements written into state statute. If accepted, applicants can receive coverage for common costs incurred due to the crime. Literature on victim compensation programs shows that victims encounter potential barriers in accessing compensation due to eligibility requirements outlined in the application and determined by state law. Utilizing analysis from these anti-racist, feminist, and anti-carceral movements and applying it to data gathered from victim advocates and system professionals in Minnesota via individual interviews, I explore the impact of this requirement for victims of diverse identities in accessing compensation and propose that the Minnesota CVR program allow the requirement to be waived. I end with a series of recommendations to solidify this waiver into policy and Minnesota statute.