Urgent Action Needed to Protect Funding for Victim Services in California

California Faces Funding Cuts for Victim Services: Urgent Action Needed

In a time of political division, one common commitment we all share is to support survivors of crime and their families. However, California is facing a looming crisis as funding for victim services is set to be slashed across the state unless immediate action is taken by Governor Newsom and the state legislature.

The federal Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA) plays a crucial role in California’s response to supporting victims of crime. But with the fund’s balance declining and Congress reducing the amount released, the state’s allocation has been cut by a significant 43 percent for the upcoming fiscal year. This reduction will have a devastating impact on local governments, law enforcement, and service providers who rely on VOCA funds to provide essential resources to thousands of survivors each year.

Without intervention from state leaders, these federal cuts will create a massive shortfall in California, forcing programs to cut staff, reduce services, and potentially shut down entirely. The most vulnerable communities, historically underserved populations, and rural programs will be hit the hardest by these cuts, affecting over 816,000 survivors across the state in 2022 alone.

Despite the urgent need for funding, the governor’s revised budget proposal did not include the $200 million in one-time funding experts say is necessary to mitigate the catastrophic impact of these cuts on survivors of crime, including victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. While the state’s financial position is a consideration, investing in the needs of crime survivors is crucial for public safety, public health, and community well-being.

Failure to provide survivors with the necessary support puts them at risk of post-traumatic stress, revictimization, homelessness, and involvement in the criminal legal system. Prioritizing healing as a vital component of the response to crime is essential, which is why approaches like restorative justice are gaining traction for their ability to provide healing for survivors and reduce recidivism among offenders.

Incorporating trauma-informed practices into victim services is also crucial, as seven in 10 victims of crime report experiencing trauma symptoms, with many finding the criminal legal system retraumatizing. Investing in trauma recovery centers and ensuring access to counseling and mental health support for survivors are vital steps in addressing the needs of underserved crime survivors.

California must do better for its victims. Governor Newsom and the legislature must act swiftly to maintain funding for existing programs and work towards a more holistic system of care that survivors deserve. The time to prioritize the well-being of crime survivors is now.

Cristine Soto DeBerry, Executive Director of Prosecutors Alliance Action, emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action to support victims in California.