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Missouri Crime Victims Funding Action
For decades, Missouri’s victim service organizations have worked alongside law enforcement, healthcare providers, court systems, and local communities to ensure that individuals impacted by crime have access to safe and supportive services.
Today, that work is at serious risk- and we need your voice.
One of the primary funding sources for victim services is the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). VOCA provides grants to states, which then distribute funds to local agencies serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes. Over the past several years, however, federal VOCA funding has declined significantly. For the past four years, the State of Missouri has included a line item in its General Revenue budget to help offset these federal reductions and stabilize victim service agencies.
In the proposed budget for FY2027, Governor Kehoe has eliminated the General Revenue line items of $25 million to help bridge the cuts from Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) allocations.
In addition to the $25 million budget cuts, Governor Kehoe has proposed another $1 million cut from the Department of Social Services (DSS) Domestic Violence Shelter and Services fund (DVSS). These funds are specifically designed to help domestic violence agencies provide core services to victims.
Collectively, victim service agencies in Missouri have come to the conclusion that there is a $15 million gap in funding with ongoing VOCA cuts. We are asking state legislators to restore $15 million in General Revenue dollars to victims of crime, and $1 million to the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services line item in the DSS budgets.
We are asking you to contact our Missouri legislators and urge them to stand up for victims of crime and reinstate essential funding across Missouri.
Find Your Legislators
Sample Phone Script / Sample Email Template
Frequently Asked Questions
What are VOCA funds?
Why is VOCA funding important to agencies in Missouri?
Why are agencies facing cuts now if funding has stayed the same?
What services will be reduced or eliminated if funding is cut?
Who will be affected by these cuts?
What is being done at the federal level to address the shrinking VOCA funds?
Why can’t agencies raise private donations to fill the gap?
What is the economic impact of cutting these funds?
What if funding for victims of crime is not restored in the budget?
Why are you asking legislators for $15 million instead of the full $25 million?
Why is the $1 million cut as important to advocate for?
Why is this an urgent issue?
What can the public do to help?
Together we can build a brighter future.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, no matter their gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. Hope House advocates for survivors, no matter where they are in their journey. Join us in creating a brighter tomorrow for survivors.
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24/7 Hotline 816-461-HOPE (4673)
PO Box 577
Lee's Summit, MO 64063