South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper has reached out to Congressional leaders, urging them to restore full funding for the federal Crime Victims Fund. This fund, a key support system for millions of crime victims annually, has experienced significant funding reductions in recent years. It provides essential services such as mental health counseling, legal assistance, replacement of lost wages, and temporary housing.

“Victims and survivors of crime suffer physical, psychological, financial and emotional harm that can severely impact their lives,” stated Governor Cooper. “We must ensure full funding of the Crime Victims Fund to provide victims and survivors with essential services.”

North Carolina's portion of this fund is managed by the Governor’s Crime Commission. The state received over $100 million in 2018 but is expected to receive less than $5 million in the upcoming cycle—a reduction of 95%. This decrease jeopardizes critical services for crime victims.

Caroline Farmer, Executive Director of the Governor’s Crime Commission said, “The services we fund through the Crime Victims Fund are essential to helping survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, financial fraud, and homicide.” She added that further cuts would worsen the challenges faced by nonprofits and service providers supporting these survivors.

Governor Cooper’s proposed budget for 2024-2025 includes $6 million to maintain necessary services like crisis care and legal assistance despite federal cuts. However, he emphasized that state funds alone cannot compensate for reduced federal support. In 2021, Congress passed the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act with bipartisan backing. Although it restored some funds, it was not enough to fully replenish the fund.