A lifeline for Maryland families affected by violent crime like mine | GUEST COMMENTARY

This legislation represents a beacon of hope.

In the wake of losing a loved one to gun violence, the devastation is unimaginable. It isn’t just the emotional turmoil and heartbreak that take a toll, there’s also a cascade of financial burdens that follow. I know this firsthand. When my older brother was tragically taken from us, my family faced not only the profound grief of his loss but also the overwhelming expenses that came with it. The cost of bringing my twin brother and me home from college, paying for the funeral and burial, my parents’ missed time from work and supporting his children — all these unexpected expenses hit us hard during the darkest time of our lives.

The emotional and human costs are, without a doubt, the greatest burden to bear. My mother, who never received the support she needed to cope with her son’s death, spiraled into a deep depression from which she never recovered and eventually passed away from physical and mental health challenges. It felt like the system wasn’t reaching those who needed it most.

That’s why today’s expected signing of the Maryland Victim Compensation Reform Act of 2024 is so significant. This legislation represents a beacon of hope for families like mine. It addresses the barriers that prevented families impacted by violent crime from receiving the support they desperately need.

Under the new Victim Compensation Reform Act, several crucial changes will enhance how families like mine receive aid. The act broadens the acceptance of different forms of documentation for claims beyond just police reports. This is vital for those who may not have immediate access to formal reports or face difficulties obtaining them, particularly in communities of color where building trust with law enforcement continues to be a significant challenge.

Moreover, the Act recognizes victims’ and their families’ emotional and psychological state by eliminating the previous requirement to report a crime within 48 hours. This gives families the necessary time to process and cope without the stress of immediate legal pressures. Additionally, it prohibits the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board from assessing whether victims had any role in their victimization, removing a layer of stigma and blame from the equation.

The Act also increases financial support for funeral expenses, raising the maximum award from $7,500 to $10,000. This adjustment reflects a more realistic understanding of the financial challenges associated with arranging a dignified farewell for loved ones.

This legislation is a crucial step toward acknowledging the profound impact that violent crime has on families and providing them with the support they need to heal. It helps ensure that families are not left to bear the financial and emotional burdens alone during the most challenging times. For families like mine and others most impacted by the legal system, this reform is more than just legislation — it’s a lifeline. It represents hope and the chance for healing, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

As we see the positive changes unfolding in Maryland, we must advocate for similar reforms across the country. I urge policymakers and community leaders everywhere to consider how they, too, can support families affected by violent crime, ensuring that all have the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Keith Wallington (kwallington@justicepolicy.org) is director of advocacy at the Justice Policy Institute.