Help for Kansas City abuse survivors was drastically slashed. Our leaders must act | Opinion

Child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking are pervasive problems in society. The Victims of Crime Act or VOCA, passed in 1984, has been a cornerstone in supporting victims of crime across the United States. Through the Crime Victims Fund, VOCA provides essential funding for services that help survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, trafficking, gun violence, drunk driving, community violence, and other heinous crimes rebuild their lives. However, in recent years, the Crime Victims Fund has been dangerously depleted, threatening the availability of these vital services.

In fiscal year 2024, Congress cut victim services grants by $630 million, or 40%. The victim service field cannot absorb a cut of this magnitude. And now, with the unobligated and unencumbered balance of the fund at less than $300 million — down from more than $13 billion just seven years ago — programs may be facing even more severe cuts. This means thousands of adults, children and families who experience sexual or domestic violence and child abuse in the Kansas City community may not have access to crucial services such as mental health counseling, crisis support, emergency shelter, or legal advocacy.

Because of VOCA, Kansas City’s Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault has supported more than 5,700 sexual assault and abuse survivors and others last year through our 24 crisis-line and hospital advocacy. And nearly 1,200 survivors and their loved ones accessed free counseling to help them heal.

The Victims of Crime Act has also helped support thousands of additional victims through other nonprofit victim services organizations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including:

• Child Protection Center

• Friends of Yates

• Hope Haven of Cass County

• Hope House

• Jackson County CASA

• Rose Brooks

• Safehome

• Synergy Services

I stand with the leaders of these organizations because we share a deep passion for survivor advocacy and gender-based violence prevention. The stakes are too high to ignore. Without prompt action, the continued depletion of the Crime Victims Fund will lead to more cuts in services that are essential for victims’ recovery and safety.

Congress must pass the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act to protect these crucial resources and uphold our nation’s commitment to supporting victims of crime. Collectively, we call on Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt of Missouri and Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas to do everything in their power to ensure the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act passes Congress expeditiously and is sent to the president for his signature.

Survivors and your constituents are counting on you to do the right thing.