Join us on June 8th, in a VOCA Senate Day of Action.
On March 17, the House of Representatives passed the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 (“the VOCA Fix Act”) with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) helps support our state’s rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, child advocates and child advocacy centers, anti-sex trafficking programs (including for child victims of sex trafficking), victim-witness coordinators in State’s Attorneys Offices, programs for homicide survivors, and other programs helping victims of crime throughout Maryland.
Massive cuts to this funding source over the last few years, and the danger of additional cuts this year, are threatening to end federal support for thousands of Maryland survivors. The state would have to pick up the tab or leave survivors without the help they need.
Responding to crime victims takes a joint effort from both the State of Maryland and the Federal Government. Ask the US Senate and our Maryland senators to do their part to support victims of crime, including victims of child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, rape and other sexual offenses by bringing the VOCA Fix Act to a vote.
It's been more than 2 months since the VOCA Fix Act passed the House.
It's time for the Senate to act!
On June 8, call or email Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, and Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and tell them to prioritize victims and bring the House-passed VOCA Fix Act with no amendments to the floor for a vote immediately. In addition to contacting them directly, join the Twitter storm on Tuesday, June 8 from 2pm - 3pm ET.
It is essential that survivors continue to receive the lifesaving legal services, advocacy, healing, and housing services they need.
| Senate Majority Leader Schumer (202) 224-6542 Email Senator Schumer @SenSchumer |
Senate Minority Leader McConnell (202) 224-2541 Email Senator McConnell @LeaderMcConnell |
| Senator Cardin (202) 224-4524 Email Senator Cardin @SenatorCardin |
Senator Van Hollen (202) 224-4654 Email Senator Van Hollen @ChrisVanHollen |
Sample Tweets
The #VOCAFix passed the House with a huge majority and there’s a #Crisis4Victims. Bring the House-passed bill with no amendments to the floor for a vote right away! https://tinyurl.com/23drue5v
The #VOCAFix passed the House with more than 90% of votes. It’s time for the Senate to address the #Crisis4Victims by passing the House-passed bill with no amendments. https://tinyurl.com/23drue5v
