Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to allocate another $36 million in state funding for crime victim services weeks after rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs and child advocacy organizations warned they would face layoffs without additional funding.
The Office of Victim Services awarded organizations a combined $126.5 million in state and federal money earlier this summer — what the agency described as the “single largest investment in victim services in the state’s history.” But, as reported by Gothamist, demand for the funds far exceeded the pool. Some longtime grantees were left with smaller allocations or shut out entirely, necessitating steep cuts to services.
It’s still unclear whether the new cash infusion, announced Friday, will restore funding to all of those groups, as the Office of Victims Services hasn’t yet published a full list of awardees. The awards are also tentative, and remain subject to review by the state comptroller's office. But Emily Miles, executive director of the NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault, called the money “a huge step forward in addressing the gaps in services that we outlined previously.”
“I’ve heard from a couple of programs that now will not be laying off some of their staff, that they are able to maintain some of those services for survivors in their community,” she said.
Office of Victim Services spokesperson Janine Kava said the agency saw unprecedented demand when it began accepting requests for funding this summer. More than 300 applicants sought awards amounting to more than double the funding available over a two-year period.
Previously funded rape crisis programs had said they were on track to lose more than $5 million, which would affect eight of the state’s 10 regions. More than half of the 42 programs surveyed by the Alliance Against Sexual Violence said they would have to cut staff. Some were also preparing to cut legal help for survivors, lay off forensic interviewers or close locations.
Senate Republicans called on Hochul to find a way to restore the money and to build a more permanent funding mechanism for the groups. The state’s district attorney association also wrote to the governor, noting that prosecutors depend on victim advocates in cases involving child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said Friday he was "glad our voices were heard" so that "these groups can continue performing the vital work they do within our communities."
With the additional tentative funding awards, which bring the total annual spending to $162.5 million, certified rape crisis centers would collectively receive another $11.7 million, according to the governor’s office. Licensed domestic violence providers would also get another $11.7 million. Child advocacy centers would get $4.8 million more. Fifteen programs that were to be shut out entirely would now receive tentative awards as well. Overall, about half of the currently funded providers would see increases.
Miles said her group was still waiting on the full list of awards. “Notices are still going out to programs as we speak,” she said.
Among the programs restored according to the release is Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, a Bronx settlement house, which Gothamist had previously reported lost its entire award.
“KHCC's program has served countless survivors over the years and is the only such program in the Bronx,” Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said in the governor’s statement. “Advocates and elected officials united in support of these crucial programs. I applaud Governor Hochul for taking this action.”
The surge in applications for grant money this year could have several causes, Miles said. Among them, more survivors coming forward with more complex needs and a funding structure that draws in newcomers.
“Because so many people that apply for it get some level of funding, you’re seeing a lot more programs coming forward who maybe haven’t historically done this work but are looking to expand and do this work,” she said.
Miles said she would like the state to use the next two years — before the next funding round begins — to reassess how it makes these decisions and weighs continuity and stability of services.
