CARC Exposure in What Know

CARC, or the Comprehensive and Responsive Compensatory Damages program, is a provision in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that allows victims of gender-based violence to seek monetary damages from their perpetrators. CARC is designed to compensate victims for the physical, psychological, and economic damages they have suffered as a result of the violence they have experienced.

Since its enactment in 1994, CARC has been used to provide financial relief to thousands of victims of gender-based violence. In 2018 alone, over $1.2 billion in CARC damages was awarded to victims. CARC has been particularly successful in helping victims to cover the costs of medical care, mental health counseling, lost wages, and relocation expenses.

In addition to providing financial compensation, CARC also serves as a form of accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence. By requiring perpetrators to pay for the harm they have caused, CARC sends a strong message that society will not tolerate violence against women.

Here are some of the key things to know about CARC:

* Who is eligible for CARC? CARC is available to victims of gender-based violence who meet certain requirements, including:

* The victim must be a woman or a child.

* The violence must have occurred within the United States or its territories.

* The violence must have been committed by a person with whom the victim had a "qualifying relationship," such as a spouse, former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or family member.

* What types of damages can be recovered under CARC? CARC allows victims to recover damages for a variety of physical, psychological, and economic injuries, including:

* Medical expenses

* Mental health counseling

* Lost wages

* Relocation expenses

* Pain and suffering

* Emotional distress

* Loss of consortium

* How do victims apply for CARC? Victims who wish to apply for CARC must file a lawsuit in federal court. The lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations, which varies from state to state.

* What is the process for obtaining CARC? The process for obtaining CARC can be complex and time-consuming. However, there are resources available to help victims navigate the process, such as the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH).

CARC is an important resource for victims of gender-based violence. If you or someone you know has been affected by gender-based violence, please reach out for help. There are resources available to help you get the support you need.