Latest news with #VOCA
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Crime victim service nonprofits in Michigan sound alarm for decreases in federal funding
Pinwheels in downtown Lansing mark the Children's Trust Fund's 14th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally, April 26, 2022 | Laina G. Stebbins Groups that provide crime victims access to emergency shelter, counseling, food assistance and more are at risk of closing as federal funding for victim services has been on a steady decline in recent years while need has increased in Michigan, nonprofit groups in the state are warning. Prevention is a key tool in fighting against domestic and sexual violence, Betsy Huggett, director of the Diane Peppler Resource Center in Sault Ste. Marie told the Michigan Advance, but trims to federal funding have meant community programs to build awareness for violence for students haven't been possible as the center operates in 'famine' mode. The center's staff of 14 wear a lot of hats in order to maintain the shelter for survivors and their families and ensure individuals and their loved ones can exit dangerous living situations, Huggett said. She said she's proud that the center has navigated many storms like keeping the majority of its staff on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she wonders how much more the organization could do if it had more sustainable funding. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'We know the rug could be pulled out from under us at any time so we just keep staying in the famine mindset…there were a lot of things that we used to be able to do that made a huge impact in the community,' Huggett said. The Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, the main federal funding program distributing states funds to provide services to victims of crimes such as child abuse, domestic and sexual assault, elder abuse and more has seen steep decreases nationwide in recent years. Michigan saw a 42% chop in VOCA funding for victim services last year compared to the 2023 VOCA amount which is funded by fines and penalties from federal cases, with a large portion coming from the prosecution of white collar financial crime which has been on a years-long decline, expected to decline further under President Donald Trump. Michigan, like most states, has taken on the cost burden of keeping domestic violence shelters and other resources open by supplementing the funds lost through use of the state budget. However, Michigan is still falling short as it struggles to maintain funding levels while the cost of services has shot up, Johanna Kononen, director of law and policy for the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, or MCEDSV, told the Advance. The 2024 fiscal year Michigan state budget allocated $30 million for victim services being provided by more than 100 organizations across the state. Now MCEDSV is seeking $75 million for organizations in the state budget through a campaign, '75 Saves Lives' to encourage lawmakers crafting the next budget to recognize the consequences for crime victims if organizations aren't able to provide services. When it comes to topics like domestic and sexual violence, which hold stigma and shame in conversations, there can be an illusion that those kinds of crimes happen to other people and don't impact the lives of all Michiganders, Kononen said. But nationwide estimates find that more than half of women and almost one in three men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime while domestic violence impacts 10 million Americans annually, including intimate partner violence and child abuse. 'Oftentimes, it's easy to [say] 'this hasn't happened to me and so this isn't impacting me. Why should we prioritize this as a state?'. But unfortunately, statistically speaking, if you don't know someone who's been impacted by domestic or sexual violence, it's because they haven't told you,' Kononen said. Nobody wants to think about sexual violence, especially when it comes to children being the victims, Melissa Werkman, President of Children's Advocacy Centers of Michigan said, but the reality is 1 in 7 children have experienced abuse or neglect in the last year in the U.S. which equals about 300,000 of Michigan's kids. VOCA dollars almost exclusively fund the frontline workers at Michigan's 40 children's advocacy centers, Werkman told the Advance, meaning the forensic interviewers for children who've experienced violence, victim advocates who guide families towards healing after abuse and medical professionals who offer care, all at low to no cost. The goal of children's advocacy centers is to respond to violence in a child's life in a way that is geared towards them and their healing amidst systems that were not built for children, Werkman said. When talking to the public about the value of the centers, Werkman said a lot of people expect the centers to be shrouded in discomfort, sadness and confusion, but the truth is this work helps kids get back to being kids. 'The kids are excited to come to their therapy appointments. They walk right in and they know the intake coordinator and they're excited to see the therapy dog. That is what we give kids back. We most importantly beyond the justice aspect of it, beyond the advocacy aspect and therapy aspect, we give kids their agency back,' Werkman said. Without VOCA, there are no children's advocacy centers, Werkman said, because as much as 85% of a center's budget can come from those federal funds. Given the decline in funding, children's advocacy centers in Michigan on average are operating on a funding gap of over $100,000 and smaller rural centers providing care to multiple counties where resources are strained are most at risk of closing their doors. Having to stop funding a counselor or close down a shelter is a terrible decision for a victim organization to face, but it's especially ominous for tribal communities where some programs for an area have only one victim advocate and there is only one tribal domestic and sexual violence shelter in the state, Stacey Ettawageshik, executive director of Uniting Three Fires Against Violence said to the Advance. Uniting Three Fires Against Violence, a tribal victim advocacy group providing training and advocacy for the 12 tribal programs in Michigan providing domestic and sexual violence care, has done a lot of work to get tribal issues a voice in Lansing, Ettawageshik said. For a demographic of people who experience violence at a drastically disproportionate rate than their white counterparts, Ettawageshik said tribal groups have worked 10 times as hard as other violence programs to get their portion of funding. There's a historic lack of trust in non-tribal organizations claiming to help Native Americans, an example being Indian residential schools in Michigan which stole hundreds of Anishinaabe children from their homes and subjected them to years of abuse and culture erasure, Ettawageshik said. Pain and resilience: The legacy of Native American boarding schools in Michigan Tribal programs come from a trauma-formed approach that includes historical knowledge of how violence has impacted Michiganders from tribal communities and can administer culturally honoring services and sacred medicines like sage, cedar, sweet grass and tobacco, Ettawageshik said. 'We've come so far [with] tribal programs getting access to these resources in the first place that it will just be taken away in a heartbeat and where does that leave us?,' Ettawageshik said. 'That leaves us back at square one… losing that funding. Losing that support is going to make a huge impact on our communities that already experience higher levels of substance use, homelessness, increased violence and that violence is really committed most of the time by non-natives.' While President Donald Trump's administration has placed a strong focus on cutting what it labels as erroneous federal spending and usage of taxpayer dollars for programs not aligning with the administration's values, Kononen said it's imperative for residents and policymakers to understand that VOCA is funded through criminals having to pay for their crimes. 'I think it's very easy for people to see what's happening in the federal government and think that that's something that's happening really far away… that doesn't have anything to do with me here in my town in Michigan and the services that my community needs,' Kononen said. 'It's a tricky topic to broach with people, and it makes it seem kind of academic like this is a line item in the budget when these are real people who are getting life-saving help.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
AG Kaul visits Eau Claire, discusses funding for victim programs
EAU CLAIRE — Cuts to victim services programs across the state are starting to become apparent, says Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. 'We're in the first year of reductions, and we're already seeing staffing cuts,' Kaul said during a stop in Eau Claire on Monday. 'The programs in place are sort of being held together with duct tape. It can be held together in the short term, but it's not sustainable.' Kaul said he is seeking $68 million in state revenue this biennium to support victim services programs across the state. He noted that federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) aid is dropping. He said the state has made 'real progress' in victim services programs and he said they need to continue. The vast majority of the money would go to non-profit organizations. 'These services can help empower victims,' he said. 'It's at risk because of a funding crisis.' Kaul had a roundtable discussion at the Eau Claire County Courthouse and was joined by Republicans and Democrats alike, as Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), Rep. Jeff Smith (D-Town of Brunswick), Rep. Karen Hurd (R-Withee) and Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) all attended the session. Hurd agreed the programs are needed, saying 'It helps us hold those accountable who are committing these crimes.' Emerson is the ranking Democrat on the Criminal Justice Committee, and she discussed how money paid in fines help fund these programs. 'We need to be building up our communities that help prevent these crimes from happening,' she said. 'We are losing staff; we are losing programs around the state.' Emerson said she is concerned about if dollars will run out for those programs if the state doesn't complete its budget until later this year, and how those programs will continue without aid. Eric Huse, Eau Claire County legal services director, noted that state victim rights are enshrined in the state Constitution. But without the added dollars, 'it will ultimately result in significantly reduced services.' Kaul was pleased to meet with members of both parties. 'We're committed to working to make our communities safer,' Kaul said. 'This really isn't a partisan issue.' The Department of Justice presently has 17 victim services positions, and Kaul said 14 are paid for by federal dollars. The $68 million request includes money to maintain all of those 17 positions. Joining federal lawsuits Kaul said Wisconsin has now joined in 18 multi-state lawsuits to fight actions taken by President Donald Trump and his administration. Kaul said his office is helping to create and shape arguments, but also writing declarations of how these federal actions would impact Wisconsin residents. He said it is important for Wisconsin's voice to be heard in these lawsuits.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Attorney General Josh Kaul discusses crime victim funding issues in Appleton
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) — State Attorney General Josh Kaul hosted a roundtable in Appleton on Wednesday to discuss the rights of crime victims and the challenges faced by victim service organizations due to funding cuts. Kaul was joined by local leaders to raise awareness and advocate for more support. He highlighted the significant decrease in funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which has dropped from about $44 million per year over five years to just $13 million in the current federal fiscal year. Appleton businessman sentenced to federal prison for not paying over $1 million in employment taxes 'This has led to, in some cases, dramatic cuts in funding for victim service organizations,' Kaul said. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's proposed budget includes nearly $68 million in state funding over the next two years to support victim service providers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Bill Lee offers victim-serving agencies $20M in revised budget
Victim-serving agencies in Tennessee have been making public pleas for Gov. Bill Lee to include funding for them in the state budget. (Photo by) Gov. Bill Lee will include $20 million in the state's budget for victim-serving agencies that — for weeks — have issued public pleas for help to keep their doors open in the face of steep cuts to federal grants. Sexual assault centers, domestic violence shelters and child abuse counseling agencies — many serving key roles in working with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice — have seen their share of federal Victims of Crime Act funding dwindled from a peak of $68 million in 2018 to $16 million last year. In response to these cuts, 35 other states took action to provide state funding. Tennessee was not one of them, until now. 'Some of the victim services units are struggling to provide the services that are needed, particularly for our law enforcement and for the victims of crime in our state,' Jim Bryson, commissioner of the Department of Finance and Administration, said Tuesday in presenting the supplemental budget proposal to lawmakers. The governor's funding — $10 million in grants for each of the next two years — fell short of the request for $25 million in recurring state funding a coalition of state nonprofits say they need to preserve current services. Memphis domestic violence center abruptly closes amid statewide fight for victim funding Advocates, disappointed when the governor's budget initially included no state funding for crime victims, nevertheless called it an important first step but are still seeking a long-term dedicated crime victim funding. 'This funding is an important acknowledgment of the urgent crisis facing Tennessee's victim service providers,' said Stephen Woerner, executive director of Tennessee Children's Advocacy Centers, which provides counseling and other services to children who have suffered abuse. Woerner stressed the need for sufficient and sustained funding long-term. The Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA funding, relies on the fees and fines collected from individuals prosecuted in federal courts. It has seen a drastic drop in collections as prosecutors made a concerted shift to accept more plea deals — a trend that preceded the current Trump Administration. A short-term infusion of COVID-era funding helped bridge the gap, but those funds have now ended. Collectively, Tennessee organizations receiving VOCA grants serve more than 95,000 victims in Tennessee each year, according to the state's Office of Criminal Justice Programs. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
