Victims of crime are not alone. Rhode Island's state budget should stop treating them that way.
For decades, victim service agencies like Sojourner House have been the lifeline for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, gun violence, and human trafficking. Yet, despite the vital work we collectively do to protect and empower vulnerable residents, Rhode Island remains one of the few in the nation without a dedicated budget line for victim services.
This year, we have an opportunity to change that.
With the leadership of Rep. Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat, and Sen. Matthew LaMountain, a Warwick Democrat and deputy president pro tempore, a coalition of 27 nonprofit victim service agencies has come together to advocate for the creation of a $30 million line item in Rhode Island's budget to fund critical services for survivors. This legislation represents a pivotal moment for our state — a chance to align our values with our actions and recognize that victim services are essential, not optional.
The need could not be more urgent. In 2023, over 42,000 Rhode Islanders received support from a victim service agency. At the same time, federal funding for victim services has plummeted. The federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) has been slashed by 40% in just the last year, and last week, a potential federal funding freeze threatened further instability. For agencies like Sojourner House, which rely on a patchwork of federal grants, private donations, and foundation support, these cuts have left gaping holes in our budgets. We've been forced to do more with less, even as the demand for services continues to grow.
Rhode Island is already behind. States like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York have stepped up to offset VOCA cuts by allocating millions in state funding to victim service programs. Meanwhile, Rhode Island's $14 billion budget still lacks a dedicated, permanent line item for victim services. This glaring omission leaves survivors at risk and sends a troubling message about our priorities as a state.
The impact of this underfunding is devastating. In 2023, nearly 30% of homicides in Rhode Island were linked to domestic violence. We've already lost too many of our neighbors to preventable acts of violence. Each tragedy is a stark reminder of the critical need for timely intervention, safe housing, and counseling services — resources that victim service agencies provide every day.
In 2023, over 42,000 Rhode Islanders received support from a victim service agency.
The proposed $30 million investment in victim services is not just a moral imperative — it's a strategic investment in public safety. Every dollar spent on victim services reduces the burden on emergency response systems, prevents further violence, and ultimately saves taxpayers money. But most importantly, it saves lives.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, at 3:30 p.m., advocates, survivors, and legislative champions will gather in the State House Library to introduce this crucial legislation and call for bold action. We invite every Rhode Islander to join us in supporting this effort. Whether by contacting your state representatives, attending the press conference, or spreading the word, your voice can make a difference.
Rhode Island cannot afford to wait any longer. Let's show survivors that they are not forgotten, that their safety matters, and that our state is committed to building a future where every resident can live free from violence.
Together, we can make history — and make Rhode Island a safer, stronger community for all.
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