Attorney General Jason Miyares of Virginia has partnered with a bipartisan coalition of 41 attorneys general to call on Congress to provide crucial funding for the federal Crime Victims Fund (VOCA Fund) in 2024. The VOCA Fund plays a vital role in providing essential services and support to crime victims and survivors throughout the United States.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime, the projected funding for victim service grants in fiscal year 2024 is expected to be $700 million lower than the previous year. This significant decrease in funding raises concerns about the ability to adequately assist and support victims of crime.
Attorney General Miyares emphasized the importance of federal funding in helping victims recover and rebuild their lives. He stated, "In every corner of our nation, victims of crime rely on the vital support and services provided by federal funding... That's why it is imperative that Congress acts swiftly to ensure that victim service programs... remain fully funded."
The VOCA Fund, established in 1984 by the Victims of Crime Act, serves as the primary financial source for victim services across all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Unlike other funding sources, the VOCA Fund is generated from offenders convicted of crimes rather than from taxes.
In 2021, Congress passed the VOCA Fix Act, which aimed to replenish the fund through monetary recoveries from federal deferred prosecutions and non-prosecution agreements. However, while this legislation was a step in the right direction, it did not fully address the funding shortfall. As a result, 2024 VOCA funding for crime victim service programs is anticipated to be 41% lower nationwide compared to the previous year.
Without prompt action from Congress, victim service programs across the country may be at risk of closure. The VOCA Fund supports a wide range of critical services, including medical care, mental health counseling, lost wages, courtroom advocacy, and temporary housing for crime victims and survivors. It also funds federal, state, and tribal victim service programs, crime victim compensation, discretionary grant awards, victim specialists, and the federal victim notification system.
In Virginia, the Department of Criminal Justice Services administers victim assistance grant programs financed by the VOCA Fund. These funds are used to provide crucial services such as children's advocacy centers, sexual assault and domestic violence prevention programming, and victim advocates at courthouses.
The coalition of attorneys general, including Attorney General Miyares, is urging Congress to take swift action to ensure that victims and survivors have the necessary resources and support during their most challenging times.
To read the full letter from the coalition, click here.