In Riverside County, more than 5,300 cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse were reported last year. Each of these cases represents a victim and their family who are entitled to immediate and long-term services that promote healing after experiencing traumatic violence. For victims seeking help, the process can be overwhelming, as they often face feelings of injury, shame, and profound change.
The impact of violent crime extends beyond the individual; it affects families and communities. Access to essential services is crucial for victims’ long-term recovery, their safety, and the overall safety of our communities. Victim services are provided by vital community-based organizations and the Victims Services divisions within District Attorney’s offices across California.
These services are integral to public safety, offering invaluable assistance such as 24/7 hotlines for support, in-person aid during forensic examinations, and legal assistance for obtaining protective orders. These resources help ensure the safety of victims and their children while facilitating their healing process.
Over the decades, Congress has responded to the needs of victims by establishing funding streams to support these essential services. Programs like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Family Violence Prevention Services Act (FVPSA), and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) have been fundamental in building a base of support for service providers.
VOCA funding supports our Division of Victim Services, which provides crucial services such as case status updates, counseling connections, court accompaniment, and relocation assistance for victims fleeing abusers. These services play a vital role in ensuring the safety and recovery of individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.
As Congress deliberates annual funding, it is imperative for elected representatives serving Riverside County and the Inland Empire to prioritize victim services. This is especially important in our expansive counties, like Riverside and San Bernardino, where geographic distance can hinder access to critical resources for survivors living in rural areas.
The consequences of neglecting funding for victim services are dire. Last year, California faced a $103 million shortfall in VOCA funding, threatening the stability of services for over 800,000 victims annually. Many programs were forced to contemplate staff layoffs, service reductions, and even closure. Here in Riverside County, organizations such as the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center and SAFE Family Justice Centers were on the brink of cutting legal support, therapists, and essential staff, ultimately serving fewer survivors and families. Although the state allocated $103 million to mitigate this crisis, such last-minute interventions are not guaranteed in the future.
As Congress prepares for federal funding decisions for the upcoming fiscal year, it is crucial to avoid any detrimental cuts to these life-saving services. VOCA funding is not merely a budget line item; it represents a lifeline for victims during their most vulnerable moments. Cuts to VOCA will directly jeopardize the essential support that victims rely on when facing the aftermath of violent crimes.
Protecting funding for victim services is not only a budgetary necessity but a moral obligation. By prioritizing this funding, we can ensure that victims receive the help they need to reclaim their lives and foster a safer community for everyone.
To express your support for continued VOCA funding, you can find your congressional representative at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
Mike Hestrin is district attorney of Riverside County.
