Jan. 2, 2015
For Immediate Release
Contact: Paul Jarvey 508-368-7241 or
508-735-2981
WORCESTER – The Office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. has received a grant for $59,000 from the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance to increase services for victims of drunk driving crashes.
The grant was announced this week by MOVA and Mr. Early.
“Helping the victims and families who are impacted by drunk drivers and preventing drunk driving are among the most important duties of our office,” Mr. Early said. “The continued support of the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance allows our advocates to truly help the victims and families through the anxiety and fears of the judicial process.”
MOVA awards grants each year to agencies that provide free services such as counselling, crisis intervention, case management and advocacy to victims, witnesses and families impacted by operating under the influence incidents.
The funding comes from the Drunk Driving Trust Fund, which collects fines imposed by the courts from offenders convicted of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Crashes caused by impaired drivers leave devastating physical and emotional effects on victims and their families,” said Liam Lowney, MOVA’s Executive Director. “While awareness and prevention campaigns are more commonplace during the holiday season, survivors of these senseless acts require specialized services to assist in their recovery every day. We are thrilled to fund the work of the Worcester District Attorney’s Office to help those impacted by these traumatic events.”
Services funded by the grant will be provided by Mr. Early’s Victim Witness Program.