The Silent Crisis: How Federal Cuts Are Undermining Victim Advocacy in the U.S.

By: Dr. Kate Watson, Advocacy Academy

In 2025, victim advocacy organizations across the United States are confronting a severe funding crisis, precipitated by significant reductions in federal support. These cuts, primarily targeting the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) fund and Department of Justice (DOJ) grants, have led to widespread layoffs, program closures, and diminished services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes.

The Scope of the Cuts

The VOCA fund, established in 1984 and financed through federal criminal fines and forfeitures, has experienced a substantial decline. In fiscal year 2024, Congress reduced the VOCA cap by $600 million, bringing it down to $1.35 billion—a significant decrease from previous years. This reduction has had a ripple effect across various states and organizations:

• Wisconsin: The state's VOCA allocation plummeted from $40 million to $13 million, forcing organizations like CAP Services, Inc. to slash their budgets dramatically—from nearly $1 million to under $100,000. Wisconsin Examiner
  

• Connecticut: Nonprofits such as Survivors of Homicide face potential shutdowns due to anticipated 60-80% funding cuts. The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence warns of losing critical programs, including civil advocacy services for domestic violence survivors. Connecticut Inside Investigator+1Piscataquis Observer+1
  

• California: Organizations like WEAVE, Inc. anticipate a 45% reduction in VOCA funds, jeopardizing services ranging from sexual assault response teams to transitional housing programs. Iowa Capital Dispatch+2WEAVE, Inc.+2Wisconsin Examiner+2
  
  

Additionally, the DOJ has canceled over 350 grants worth more than $800 million, affecting numerous nonprofits and public safety programs nationwide. These cuts have led to layoffs, program closures, and service reductions, particularly in victim support and anti-violence initiatives. San Francisco Chronicle+3AP News+3Reuters+3

Impact on Survivors

The funding cuts have tangible, often devastating, effects on survivors:The Washington Post+1San Francisco Chronicle+1

• Service Reductions: Organizations are suspending 24-hour crisis lines, closing satellite offices, and reducing therapy services. For instance, Resilience, a Chicago-based nonprofit, had to eliminate staff positions and close its Ravenswood office, leading to longer wait times for survivors seeking support. Lumina Alliance+1Resilience+1Resilience
  

• Shelter Closures: In Maine, a 62% decline in VOCA funds threatens the operation of emergency shelters and legal assistance programs, leaving victims with fewer safe havens. Piscataquis Observer+1Connecticut Inside Investigator+1
  

• Legal Aid Limitations: In Wisconsin, organizations like Judicare Legal Aid have had to turn away over 1,000 individuals seeking legal assistance due to funding shortfalls. WPR
  

• Similarly, in Kansas, Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) are grappling with the aftermath of a $600 million federal cut to VOCA grants. Despite state efforts to supplement funding, CACs remain under-resourced, with 32% of the state lacking access to these critical services. This shortfall jeopardizes the provision of victim advocacy and mental health services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse .Kansas Reflector+1dayton-daily-news+1

Impact on Professionals

The funding cuts have not only affected victims but also the professionals dedicated to supporting them. Many organizations have been forced to lay off staff, leading to increased workloads and burnout among remaining employees. For example, Hopeful Horizons in South Carolina, which provides services including emergency shelter and counseling, anticipates cutting six full-time positions due to VOCA funding reductions. This downsizing is expected to leave 300 to 400 victims and survivors without support annually .The Guardian

Impact on Underserved Populations: Exacerbating Rural Disparities

Rural communities, already facing limited access to victim services, are disproportionately affected by these funding cuts. In Ohio, the state's VOCA allocation dropped from $46.6 million to $26.7 million, a 42.8% decrease from the previous year. This reduction threatens the operation of rape crisis centers in 12 counties that previously had no local programs, further limiting access for survivors in the Appalachian region .Lewis Mountain Tribune+3News From The States+3PoliticIt+3Stateline+3Lewis Mountain Tribune+3News From The States+3

Similarly, in Washington State, the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center warns that for every $100,000 lost in VOCA funding, 70 survivors will not receive help. Smaller organizations, especially those serving rural or tribal communities, face existential threats, with some at risk of shutting down entirely .Washington State Standard

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The reduction in VOCA funding has far-reaching consequences, undermining the support system for victims of crime across the United States. Victims face longer wait times and reduced access to essential services; professionals experience job insecurity and burnout; and rural communities see an exacerbation of existing disparities.

To mitigate these impacts, it is imperative for policymakers to prioritize the restoration and enhancement of funding for victim advocacy organizations. Without immediate action, the most vulnerable populations will continue to suffer, and the nation's commitment to justice and support for victims will be severely compromised.