Crime Victim Services in California Threatened by Funding Cuts

California is facing a funding cliff that threatens the survival of crime victim services, including those for domestic violence survivors. The reductions stem from shrinking federal VOCA funds, leaving service providers scrambling to fill gaps. Advocates warn that without intervention, thousands of survivors could lose access to housing, hotlines, counseling, and legal advocacy.

The Numbers

• VOCA funding for California has dropped by nearly 40% in recent years.

• Shelters are cutting staff and reducing hours of operation.

• Legal advocacy programs risk closure, leaving survivors to face courts alone.

Survivor Impact

• Longer waits for counseling.

• Survivors forced to return to abusers due to housing shortages.

• Courts overloaded, with fewer advocates to help navigate protection orders.

Advocacy Efforts

• The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV) is lobbying lawmakers.

• Nonprofits are demanding a state backfill to cover federal cuts.

• Survivors themselves are testifying before legislators about the risks of underfunding.

Conclusion

California prides itself on progressive leadership, but without stable funding, survivors of violence face devastating consequences. A permanent solution is needed to secure funding for life-saving services.

FAQs

1. What is VOCA funding?
   Victims of Crime Act funds that support victim services.

2. Why is California affected?
   It relies heavily on VOCA grants to fund shelters and programs.

3. What happens if funding isn’t restored?
   Survivors may lose access to housing, counseling, and legal advocacy.

4. Who is lobbying for change?
   CPEDV, nonprofits, and survivor-led groups.

5. What is the proposed solution?
   State lawmakers are urged to backfill the funding shortfall.