Spartanburg rape crisis center grapples with the loss of federal crime victims funds
Victims of domestic abuse often 'aren't sure how to leave, are scared to leave,' according to Krystal Watson, president and chief executive officer of Project R.E.S.T.
'That's why we exist.'
Project R.E.S.T. – which stands for Restore, Empower, Support and Transform – is a shelter and a network of support for victims of sexual violence.
Founded in the mid-1980s as SAFE Homes Rape Crisis Coalition, the nonprofit organization served nearly 1,700 clients last year – mostly from Spartanburg County but also from Union, Cherokee, and other counties.
'Project R.E.S.T. is invaluable,' said Seventh Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette in an email. 'The services and support they provide for our community give victims a means to move past the abuse suffered at the hands of perpetrators.'
Watson is worried that recent budget challenges will impact her team's ability to serve those in need in the coming years.
Project R.E.S.T. receives support from a variety of grant programs as well as direct donations from community foundations and individuals.
But it's main source of funding has been the federal Crime Victims Fund, established in 1984 by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
The fund collects money paid out in criminal fines and penalties. State governments, including the South Carolina Attorney General's Office, administer funds to local victim support organizations.
Since 2016, the Crime Victims Fund has been declining, Watson said. There are a variety of reasons, including the way the federal Department of Justice has handled court settlements.
'We continue to be concerned about the declining amount available in VOCA funds,' said Robert Kittle, spokesman for Attorney General Alan Wilson.
'Our state legislature has stepped up with state funds to try to make up for some of the cuts, for which we're very grateful.'
Kittle said Wilson has requested $15 million in next year's budget.
'So far, the House included $3.5 million in its version of the budget,' he said. 'The Senate is working on the budget now, and then the House and Senate will have to agree on a final budget, so the amount could change.'
State support helped Project R.E.S.T. bridge the funding gap this year. Watson said she is 'forever grateful for (Wilson's) advocacy for us.'
Still, Project R.E.S.T. saw a $163,000 cut.
Watson stressed the declining strength of the Crime Victims Fund is unrelated to the barrage of cuts imposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), implemented by President Donald Trump and led by billionaire Elon Musk.
Project R.E.S.T. was planning, however, to apply for a federal grant to support a transitional housing program for victims. 'We recently received notice that the funding opportunity was rescinded,' Watson said.
To save money, Watson has implemented a hiring freeze and scaled back efforts such as a sexual violence awareness and prevention program at local colleges.
She is concerned that further cuts may require even more difficult decisions in the months ahead. 'We may have to look a little different,' she said.
But, Watson stressed, 'We have to keep our shelter open.'
Community members will have an opportunity to support Project R.E.S.T. later this month. The organizations will receive the proceeds from an April 26 car show at DDCustoms in Greer. Call volunteer coordinator Izzy Pippen at (864) 606-1452 for more details.
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg's Project R.E.S.T. scales back after Crime Victim Fund cut
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