Today, we need your voice.

For decades, Missouri’s victim service organizations have worked alongside law enforcement, healthcare providers, court systems, and local communities to ensure that individuals impacted by crime have access to safe and supportive services.

One of the primary funding sources for victim services is the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). VOCA provides grants to states, which then distribute funds to local agencies serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes. Over the past several years, however, federal VOCA funding has declined significantly. For the past four years, the State of Missouri has included a line item in its General Revenue budget to help offset these federal reductions and stabilize victim service agencies.

In the proposed budget for FY2027, Governor Kehoe has eliminated the General Revenue line items of $25 million to help bridge the cuts from Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) allocations.

In addition to the $25 million budget cuts, Governor Kehoe has proposed another $1 million cut from the Department of Social Services (DSS) Domestic Violence Shelter and Services fund (DVSS). These funds are specifically designed to help domestic violence agencies provide core services to victims.

To Find Your Legislators & For more information: https://www.hopehouse.net/get-involved/take-action-now