Advocates say the new law takes into account the broad sweep of harms suffered by crime victims.
Janine Washburn is with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s Division of Victim Services.
“We now can assist victims who were emotionally, psychologically or mentally injured where prior it was just for those who were physically injured, so this is a great expansion.”
The new law also expands financial aid to help with out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance to up to 45 thousand dollars. That can include housing and replacing furniture and personal items. The old limit was 25 thousand dollars.
