2024 Policy Advocacy Day

May 2, 2024 |
Valor

Put survivors first! Protect Crime Victim Services.

Photo of VALOR and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence Rally. Participants are standing on the West Steps of the California Capitol holdings signs that show the number 10,000 crossed out in red ink.

200 advocates, survivors, and policymakers stood on the steps of the California Capitol and demanded that $200 million be included in this year’s budget for crime victim services. 

California is at risk of devastating cuts to crime victim service should the state not step up and backfill the gap in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. With an anticipated 44.7% reduction in critical funding for crime victim services, advocates from across the state showed up for VALOR and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence’s 2024 Policy Advocacy Day in Sacramento. Members shared stories of how these anticipated funding cuts will impact the survivors they serve and how it will disrupt an entire continuum of care in their communities.

Photograph of Policy Advocacy Day participants in a hotel ballroom

This year, advocates focused on our package to protect crime victim services including our budget ask championed by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, for up to $200 million in ongoing funding to bridge the gap in federal funding, AB 1956, also authored by Assemblymember Reyes which will create a mechanism in the state to backfill VOCA funds when federal funding drops, and AB 2432, jointly authored by Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel and Assemblymember Reyes, which will create a new funding stream in California to support crime victim services.

Left to right: VALOR staff, Partners Against Violence staff, and Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes standing for a photo

During the 100+ legislative meetings, local program staff were able to persuasively communicate the importance of supporting the budget ask and related bills because even during tough budget years, survivors still deserve support.

If you are looking to take action today, join the call to request $200 million in this year’s budget. Complete this easy form right now.