A Critical Win for Survivor Services—But More Work Ahead

We're proud to share the following press release from VALOR US highlighting a major funding win for survivor services in California.

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Today, Governor Newsom and the Legislature announced a final budget agreement that includes $100 million in funding to keep essential services for survivors of violent crimes operational for another year.

While advocates express their gratitude and relief, they also recognize that this solution is temporary as they brace for another year of funding uncertainty.

Krista Colón, of the California VOCA Advocacy Alliance and Executive Director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, issued the following statement:

“A budget is a moral document. By funding victim services, this budget dictates where California’s values lie. California has shown that survivors and the programs that support them are a priority for the upcoming fiscal year.

Despite this win, programs and survivors will still have to face another year of uncertainty starting this coming July. Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes are some of the most vulnerable Californians, yet their safety net continues to be a budget item up for negotiation every year. California can and should do better. Services survivors rely on to heal after violence – like mental health support after sexual assault, shelter after fleeing domestic violence, legal support after escaping human trafficking, and advocacy after child abuse – are not luxuries; they are lifelines.

We cannot continue to jeopardize crucial services that Californians rely on during the most traumatic and dangerous experiences of their lives. In 2021 and 2022, this totaled 816,000 people, more than the population of Sacramento. We urge state leaders, including the Governor, to consider survivors as an ongoing priority in the California Budget in future years.

Our coalition will continue to advocate for survivors until the state commits to sustainable funding for essential healing services.”

About the California VOCA Advocacy Alliance

The California VOCA Advocacy Alliance represents over 200 organizations that hundreds of thousands of California victims and survivors depend on each year. Our large coalition works to advance the rights of survivors of human trafficking, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and others. We are dedicated to supporting survivors, advocates and communities, and have a common goal of advocating for equitable access to core services.

Originally published by VALOR US.

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Thank you to all the dedicated advocates, survivors, and partners whose tireless efforts made this critical funding win possible. Your dedication and passion to supporting survivors is truly inspiring. While we celebrate this important step forward, we know the journey isn't over. Ongoing support and commitment are needed to ensure survivors have access to these services without an expiration date. Together, we will keep pushing for lasting change. - Partners Against Violence

Here's How You Can Take Action Now:

This funding victory was made possible through collective advocacy — and your voice still matters. Here’s how you can help:

• Share this blog post to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable funding for survivor services.

• Contact your state legislators and urge them to prioritize long-term support for victims of violence in future budgets.

• Follow and support the California VOCA Advocacy Alliance and your local survivor service agencies to stay engaged.