Over $18 Million to Programs that Support Kansas Domestic, Sexual Violence Survivors Announced as Need Reaches Crisis Levels
The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence commends Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Legislators for their work to support survivors and their families with funds that go directly toward programs, shelters and advocates.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced on Thursday, September 7 that a total of $18,489,169 in grants has been awarded to organizations around the Sunflower State in order to provide services for crime survivors. The Legislature increased the state grant funds to sustain the programs which experienced a 40 percent decrease in funds under the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program.
From fiscal year 2019 to 2023, Kansas VOCA allocations have dropped nearly $8 million dollars, $20 million to $12 million. Without the state of Kansas and bipartisan leadership, the resulting impact on programs would have been a dramatic reduction in services and shelter space.
"The services that children's advocacy centers, court-appointed advocates, and domestic violence and sexual assault programs provide are an essential part of survivors getting the justice they deserve," Governor Kelly said in a September 7 press statement. "These grants ensure communities across Kansas have the resources and services needed to assist crime victims in their time of need."
Over $14.8 million is allocated to KCSDV and advocacy agencies that serve survivors across the state. Advocates at these agencies served as first responders during COVID and continue to address the changing realities in our communities through ongoing budget cuts.
"We continue to face more cuts from DC that have real life consequences for families in Kansas," said Michelle McCormick, Executive Director of KCSDV. "The work of the Legislature and the Governor's office and all the organizations serving survivors means that we will not be going backwards at a time when our shelters are telling us that they have seen a dramatic increase in the volume and severity of violence."
McCormick noted that even more cuts are reportedly coming to funding dedicated to supporting survivors and advocacy programs. Congress is currently being asked to consider addressing the budget shortfalls that have depleted the Victims of Crime Act Crime Victims Fund.
"If the additional cuts to funding come to fruition as we have been told to prepare for, it will be devastating to Kansans who are facing immediate violence – and to the communities they are a part of. We have far too many stories of great loss of family members, children and loved ones in what should be preventable acts of violence. We can address this, but only if we make it a priority for our budgets," said McCormick. "It is horrible that we have to do the math to as how much we are willing to spend to save people from violence."
VOCA funds are generated from fines imposed in federal criminal cases deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. These funds were nearly depleted due to reduced deposits into the fund. Congress passed a fix for replenishing these funds, but it is estimated it will take two years or more to replenish these funds and bring VOCA formula funding to the states back up to recent levels.
"These challenges can feel overwhelming, but it is important to recognize that thanks to the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly, we will not be going backwards," said McCormick.
Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 888-363-2287 or find their local domestic violence advocacy program at www.kcsdv.org/find-help.
(Information courtesy KCSDV.)