Funding Reduction for Domestic Violence Victim Services

Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds that support victims of domestic violence is being reduced next year, with civil legal aid VOCA funding slated to be cut nearly in half. The COVID-19 pandemic served to escalate family and intimate partner violence against women. Without an increase in funding, regardless of source, victims will be less able to turn to the courts for help to protect themselves and their children. They also stand to lose access to services, such as emergency shelter and mental health care.