Yesterday the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, along with a number of other organizations representing victim service providers and millions of survivors of crime, urged the House and Senate to act immediately to prevent catastrophic cuts to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) through a legislative fix that will increase deposits into the Crime Victims Fund. Maryland rape crisis centers have already faced VOCA cuts, even as perpetrators use the COVID 19 pandemic to gain or renew access to victims, intimidate survivors into silence, and interfere with survivors' attempts to seek safety and justice.
VOCA grants are the primary source of federal funding for thousands of victim service providers across the nation, including rape crisis centers and other local programs in Maryland serving victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, trafficking, and more. VOCA grants also fund victim compensation, which helps survivors pay medical and counseling bills, and make up for missed wages.
Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen continue to help lead the way in ending violence against women. Please contact them and thank them for their past support, and ask them to support the VOCA legislative fix. Tell them it is essential that they prioritize this fix to ensure that victims in Maryland can continue to receive the lifesaving housing, legal services, advocacy, and healing services they need.
U.S. Senators from Maryland
| Senator Ben Cardin | Senator Chris Van Hollen |
| (202) 224-4524 Email Senator Cardin |
(202) 224-4654 Email Senator Van Hollen |
