A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health led by Resound Research’s Samuel Dickman examines racial disparities in victim compensation claim approvals for adult survivors of sexual assault across 18 US states between 2015 and 2023.
Victim compensation programs are designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with violent crime, including medical care, mental health services, and forensic examinations. These programs function outside of the criminal justice system and do not require a conviction. However, access depends on meeting specific administrative requirements.
The study analyzed 42,902 claims filed by women survivors of sexual assault and found significant racial disparities in approval rates. After adjusting for age, state, and application year:
Black and Indigenous women’s claims were significantly less likely to be approved than White women’s.
Approval rates varied widely by state, ranging from 29% to 94%.
The most common denial reason was a determination that there was insufficient evidence that a crime had occurred.
Incomplete applications and failure to establish economic loss were also frequent denial reasons.
The findings suggest that administrative burdens — including paperwork requirements and cooperation standards — may contribute to inequitable outcomes.
Victim compensation programs are an important safety net for survivors of sexual assault. Ensuring equitable access requires careful examination of institutional processes, eligibility requirements, and referral pathways.
Policy reforms in some states have begun addressing these issues by removing police reporting requirements and simplifying applications. Continued evaluation and reform are essential to reduce disparities and strengthen support systems for survivors.
Read the full study in the American Journal of Public Health here:
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308304#:~:text=Claims%20by%20survivors%20of%20sexual,year%2C%20and%20state%20fixed%20effects