Why Washington Needs to Restore $21M for Crime Victim Services Today

Urgent Call to Action: Protect Crime Victim Services in Washington

In an increasingly uncertain financial landscape for support services, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, alongside dedicated community organizations, is raising alarms over the potential halving of state funding for crime victim services. Currently earmarked at $12 million in the 2027 supplemental budget, advocates argue that the required baseline amount is $21.38 million, a figure crucial for maintaining and enhancing essential services that cater to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes.

The Stakes Are High: What’s at Risk?

As time runs short, advocates are mobilizing to stress the public safety implications of these cuts. Leesa Manion, King County Prosecuting Attorney, emphasized the devastating effect on survivors if the funding is not restored, stating, "Without increasing funding to $21.38 million, programs will face significant reductions, and in some communities, potential closures, directly impacting crime survivor safety and access to support.” The ripple effect of budget cuts could leave survivors without critical support mechanisms at the most vulnerable times, forcing many to navigate an already traumatic post-incident landscape without the necessary resources.

A Closer Look: Funding Gaps Amidst Growing Demand

Despite an annual increase in service demand, crime victim support agencies have faced drastic funding cuts. Over the last few years, federal funding through the Victims of Crime Act has plummeted by more than 70%. Local organizations like the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center rely heavily on state funding to provide everything from crisis hotline assistance to legal advocacy. With the expected budget reduction looming, Kate Garvey, CEO of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, articulated the heavy burden such cuts would impose on service delivery: "We really need to start treating sexual assault services as infrastructure... This needs to have consistent, stable funding." The stark contrast between increasing demand and shrinking resources underlines a critical public safety failure in maintaining victim support systems.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Historically, Washington State has recognized the need to protect crime victims. However, as funding has continually decreased, advocates fear that vital resources are slipping through the cracks. “This funding decision is about dignity,” explains Leticia Figueroa, Director of Victim Services. “When someone experiences violence, their community must respond with care – not silence.” As advocates push for full restoration of funds, they warn of a future where survivors may confront closed doors when seeking help due to a systematic dismantling of service infrastructure.

Concrete Impacts on Survivors

In practical terms, reductions in funding translate directly to diminished service access for approximately 52,000 survivors each year. With programs already operating at capacity, cutbacks could lead to longer wait times for critical services, some currently facing an over eight-month backlog. Survivors looking to navigate complex legal processes may find themselves isolated, missing out on the vital emotional and legal support foundational to their recovery. Advocates are standing firm against the potential funding cuts, rallying community members to advocate for legislation that prioritizes funding allocation for victim services.

Call to Action: Advocating for Survivors

As Washington legislators prepare to make crucial budgetary decisions before the March deadline, the message from advocacy organizations is clear and urgent. Engage with your local representatives and emphasize the importance of restoring funding to $21.38 million. The outcome of this budget decision could determine whether survivors receive compassionate assistance or face locked doors in their moments of greatest need. Your voice matters—make it heard now.