RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) –Attorney General Jason Miyares has joined a bipartisan coalition to advocate for funding for the Crime Victims Fund (VOCA Fund).
Since 1984, the VOCA Fund has provided services to victims and survivors across the U.S.
VOCA Fund’s services include housing, mental health counseling, and domestic violence prevention programming. It also funds crime victim compensation and victim specialists in U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“In every corner of our nation, victims of crime rely on the vital support and services provided by federal funding. As victims navigate the aftermath of trauma, from the pain of physical injuries to the anguish of emotional distress, victim advocates are there to support recovery and well-being. That’s why it is imperative that Congress acts swiftly to ensure that victim service programs, like those available here in the Commonwealth, remain fully funded,” Miyares said.
A letter from the coalition said the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime estimates 2024’s funding for VOCA Fund’s grants will be approximately $700 million lower than last year. It stated this will threaten the fund’s services and programs.
“As violent crime continues to rise across the country, we have to ensure we remain committed to supporting victims every step of the way. I’m proud to stand with this bipartisan coalition of attorneys general calling on Congress to ensure victims and survivors have the resources and assistance they need in their most difficult times,” Miyares said.
Click here to read the coalition’s full letter.