There’s a #Crisis4Victims and we need the #VOCAFix now!
What’s the #Crisis4Victims?
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), a major funding source for domestic violence, sexual assault and other victim service providers, is facing MASSIVE, immediate cuts and even more drastic cuts in the future if Congress doesn’t act now. Millions of victims rely on VOCA each year to access lifesaving services including shelter, housing, legal assistance, counseling and more.
What’s the #VOCAFix?
The #VOCAFix is a two-piece solution to this funding cut crisis via:
- A small change in where money is deposited – Congress must amend the VOCA statute to direct penalties and fines from non-prosecution and deferred prosecution agreements into the Crime Victims Fund (CVF)
- Ensuring VOCA funds are sustained in the 2021 fiscal year – Congress must make sure the Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations bill includes the U.S. House allocation of over $2 billion for VOCA.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence urges Congress to act quickly to save Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, and has outlined specifics of how to make sure this happens. Learn more here about the threat to VOCA and how Congress can fix it.
How quickly does the #VOCAFix need to happen?
FAST! Congress is working on the omnibus appropriations bill – which they need to pass no later than December 31 to keep the government open – RIGHT NOW.
What’s being done, and what can I do?
On December 4, 2020, a broad group of national stakeholders sent this letter to House and Senate leadership. The National Network to End Domestic Violence and domestic violence & sexual assault coalitions around the country – including End Abuse – are amplifying this issue so that those who believe in protecting the safety of survivors can be a part of the solution.
We need your help elevating this issue on social media and via contact with your Members of Congress! Contact your Members of Congress and tell them NOT TO CUT $1.1 billion from victim service grants.
How to Help
Social Media Advocacy
Hashtags: #VOCAFIX #Crisis4Victims
Images: Click the images to download and share.
Sample Facebook Post, or Share End Abuse’s Post
URGENT Action Needed: There’s a #Crisis4Victims and we need the #VOCAFix now! The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), a major funding source for domestic violence, sexual assault and other victim service providers is facing MASSIVE, immediate cuts and even more drastic cuts in the future if Congress doesn’t act now. Millions of victims rely on VOCA each year to access lifesaving services including shelter, housing, legal assistance, counseling and more.
Contact your Representatives and Senators in Congress today at (202) 224-3121, tell them NOT TO CUT $1.1 billion from victim service grants, and ask them to pass the #VOCAFix in the budget deal ASAP. Learn more and tweet, email, or call your representatives NOW: https://bit.ly/3lN1GLa
Sample Tweets, or Share End Abuse’s Tweet
@Senator/Representative Lifesaving services for victims are on the line. There is a #Crisis4Victims. Congress, pass the #VOCAFix in the budget deal ASAP! https://bit.ly/3op06Rq
@Senator/Representative Don’t let VOCA go over the cliff. Include #VOCAFix in the Omnibus #Crisis4Victims +1500 victims rights orgs +56 Attorneys General & national orgs have asked for this fix: https://bit.ly/3op06R
Twitter & Instagram handles:
To find the Twitter or Instagram handle of your representative and senators, visit this link.
Calls & Emails
Find your Representatives
You can contact the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.
Here are some key points to include in emails and calls to your Members of Congress:
- Over 6,000 local organizations rely on funds from VOCA to provide lifesaving direct services to victims of all types of crime annually. Without VOCA funds, many victim service programs would cease to exist, leaving survivors and victims with nowhere to turn.
- Recent declining deposits into VOCA’s non-taxpayer funding source – the CVF – threaten to drastically reduce VOCA funding.
- The fiscal year (FY) 2021 allocation is facing a $1.1 billion cut, which would have a catastrophic impact on survivors and victim service providers.
- Please act now to provide steady funding for VOCA in fiscal year 2021 and provide a long-term fix for the VOCA fund by the end of the year.
Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to make a major impact on the lives of survivors. Your social media posts, calls, and emails make a HUGE difference!
With gratitude,
The End Abuse Policy Team
Questions? Jenna Gormal is the Director of Policy and Systems Change at End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. Contact her with questions at jennag@endabusewi.org