Madison – July 1, 2025 – End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault appreciate the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) for investing $20 million in victim services funding. However, that funding is only for one year of the biennium, effectively creating a funding cliff for crime victim services on June 30th of 2026.
While this investment will help, $20 million does not address the shortfall in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding that began on October 1, 2024. The effects of VOCA cuts have forced agencies to lay-off staff and reduce the availability of core services, including shelter and crisis response; legal and medical advocacy; mental health services and support groups; and prevention and outreach work. Several agencies report they may close entirely without additional funding.
For survivors, this has meant longer waiting times for lifesaving services, fewer service options, and increased barriers to safety and healing. The smallest programs have been most impacted, including those serving communities of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and those in rural and low-income areas. Additionally, advocates have experienced unsustainable workloads, with many considering leaving the field.
The JFC proposal is a short-term solution, leaving programs facing a very uncertain funding landscape ahead. We fail survivors when critical resources are not available when they make the brave decision to reach out for help. WCASA and End Abuse call on the legislature to fully fund crime victim services for each year of the biennium to ensure lifesaving programs are available for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
