Dear Supporter,
Congress must save the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) fund so that local domestic violence programs can help survivors escape violence and rebuild their lives.
A bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives introduced the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 (“VOCA Fix”), which will stave off catastrophic cuts in victim services funding. The VOCA Fix is one of NNEDV’s key legislative priorities and we are thrilled to see the bill introduced.
VOCA funds over 6,000 local organizations such as domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, legal services programs, and child abuse treatment programs in every state and territory. Millions of victims rely on VOCA-funded services to find safety, healing, and stability in the aftermath of abuse. However, VOCA funding is in extreme jeopardy.
Now is the time to pass the VOCA Fix so that survivors can access the help they need in crisis!
VOCA grants have decreased by 70% over the last four years.* These massive cuts will be compounded by ongoing reductions – unless Congress acts to save VOCA. Without VOCA funds, many victim service programs would cease to exist, leaving survivors and their families with nowhere to turn.
Congress needs to know that VOCA is crucial for survivors. Email and tweet your Representative and Senators today.
Survivors are navigating the pandemic, economic hardship, and domestic violence simultaneously. Local victim services agencies are there to help, but they too are facing the consequences of the economic downturn. They simply cannot withstand more VOCA cuts. Congress must pass the VOCA Fix as soon as possible to avoid dangerous cuts to this lifesaving program. |
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