VOCA Funding Cuts

I just received the email that is posted below. Disturbing doesn't begin to cover it. Many programs rely on VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding to operate. Because of budget constraints we have been unable to secure this funding at Hope for Healing.Org. Now, we learn that these funds may evaporate like so many others.

What does that really mean? It means we'll be unable to add a staff person to alleviate the burden on our already over stretched volunteers. It means that the person calling for help may or may not be able to get it. Ultimately, it means that we will lose ground in the fight to stop domestic violence.

Please don't let that happen.

Stop the pain. Help the healing. Read the following email and act today.

C-ya online,

Gayle
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On December 20, 2007, we learned that President Bush cut $35 million from the crime victims fund for his General Treasury. The fund, VOCA (Victims of Crime Act), is the only Federal program that supports services to victims of all types of crime. This fund comes from the collection of Federal criminal fines; not taxpayer dollars.

Congress has repeatedly said that all amounts deposited into the Fund would remain available for victim services. Though many members of Congress supported increases to VOCA, the pressure from President Bush to cut funding was just too stong.

The $35 million cut means local programs such as Crime Victim Assistance and Crime Victim shelters will have less money; some programs will close and some will turn victims away.
Please contact your local members of Congress and the US Senate and urge them to save and restore VOCA. Furthur information can also be accessed from Congressman Poe's website. Congressman Poe is our biggest supporter and in June 2007 he introduced a bill, HR 2941 to safeguard VOCA. The bill has yet to be passed.

Sincerely,
Lisa Brucato/Program Coordinator
Crime Victim Assistance
Northwest Buffalo, New York