We need your urgent action to help save critical funding for victims services.
Every year, Congress sets a level of spending from a fund known as VOCA. These are not tax dollars. Many of these funds go to community groups to support vital services like trauma intervention and counseling for people who have been harmed by crime and violence.
Last year Congress raised the “VOCA cap” making it possible for more funds to go to the most underserved communities. Now, Congress could cut those dollars in half again.
Take action now to email your Senators and Representative. Tell them not to cut VOCA funds.
After you email, you can have even more impact by calling.
Dial (202) 224-3121. Ask for your Representative by name or by giving your zip code. (If you get the automated system, you can choose “Representative” and then enter your zip code to be transferred.)
What to say: “I am [name] and I’m a constituent in your district. Please don’t cut the VOCA cap in the budget this year. These funds provide vital victim services that keep people safe and help them heal. Please tell your colleagues in leadership and the appropriations committee that it is important to keep the VOCA cap where was last year.”
When you are done leaving a message for your Representative, call back and follow the same process to leave messages for your Senators.
We know from all our years working with families of murder victims to end the death penalty that services like traumatic grief counseling are grossly underfunded. Last year’s increase of VOCA funds was vital to finally filling those gaps. Don’t let Congress take us backwards. Act today for victims’ families and all survivors of crime.
