RESTORE VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT FUNDS (VOCA) THROUGH INDIANA HOUSE BILL 1123 (HB1123)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has predicted a shortfall in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funds to manage the growing needs of victims served by nearly 200 local programs. This will result in a $12 million cut to Indiana’s award, allocated the projected federal budget. The funds are needed to ensure resources, staff and infrastructure to help those most in need.
40% DECREASE IN FUNDING SINCE 2019
VOCA funding is critical to the nearly 200 local programs to deliver services to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Funds are used in a variety of ways to support victims including: therapy, case management, legal advocacy, transportation, prevention education, shelter needs and more.
Indiana’s child advocacy centers, domestic violence shelter programs and rape crisis centers have suffered from a 40% decrease in VOCA funding, since 2019, which has resulted in elimination of staff, increased caseloads, reductions in some services, especially court advocacy, community education, and economic and housing supports. The 2024 proposed federal budget includes a 42% cut from 2023 funding levels.
While the federal 2021 “VOCA Fix” provided a path forward to increase the availability of grant funds, it will take several years for the fund to build up. Unfortunately, victims in Indiana can’t wait — our local programs need help now to ensure continued cuts do not further impact services.
HOW ARE OTHER STATES ADDRESSING VOCA CUTS?
- Alabama: $7.5m to support children’s advocacy centers
- Georgia: $4.8m for domestic violence/sexual assault service providers
- Ohio: Increased general fund to $20m/2 years for domestic violence programs, $30m/2 years for sexual assault programs
- Maryland: Requires $60m total for victim services programs. The state is required to backfill any shortage of VOCA funds in future years.
- Missouri: $30m for domestic violence/sexual assault service providers
- Texas: $160m ARPA funds for all victim service providers
- Michigan: $30m allocated to crime victims’ rights sustaining grants
- Minnesota: $11m to support sexual assault services
- Tennessee: $7m to support children’s advocacy centers
- Wisconsin: $45m/3 years ($20m for victim services + $25m violence prevention)
WHAT WILL THESE CUTS MEAN?
Currently in Indiana, 590 people are employed through VOCA funds. These include social workers, advocates, healthcare providers, lawyers, and law enforcement. A 42% cut would result in 236 of these people being unable to help and support victims.
WHAT IT MEANS TO OUR COMMUNITY
I depend on the advocates at the Child Advocacy Center to help child victims through this process. Without them, I could not prosecute these horrible crimes and hold perpetrators accountable.
David R. Sutter
Jefferson County ProsecutorOver the years, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office has leaned on and depended on The Beaman Home to support victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in understanding the criminal justice process and providing safe shelter for victims that are in danger or fleeing from violence.
Jim Smith, Sheriff
Kosciusko County Sheriff’s OfficeA parent could never prepare themselves on how to handle these devastating situations they are faced with — but the folks at Susie’s Place and the Victims Advocacy Team provided the utmost support and guidance along the way. We will be forever grateful for their help.
Cheryl S.
Parent
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TO HELP US RESTORE THE CUTS THROUGH HB1123!