Wyoming Victim Services Office Sees Increase in Payments
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Records show the division of the Wyoming Attorney General's Office that pays for costs related to injuries for victims of crime has seen an increase in the amount and number of payments in recent years.
Between fiscal years 2014 and 2016, the office has seen about a 36 percent increase in the amount of money paid to victims through the office statewide — from $910,017.65 to more than $1.41 million.
Cara Chambers, the director of victim services for the attorney general's office, says some causes of the increase could include increased reporting for certain crimes, fewer people with medical insurance, economic downturns, influxes in certain types of crimes and more victims seeking compensation for mental health treatment.
The division pays for medical bills, counseling, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages and other costs.