Police & Courts Politics Funding for crime victim services in Washington is running short
With dwindling federal funds and a looming state budget shortfall, Washington lawmakers are trying to figure out how to keep paying for services for crime victims.
Funding for the Victims of Crime Act State Plan is projected to be cut in half by this summer. The state has backfilled that money in the past to ensure people don’t lose access to things like legal advocacy, therapy, emergency shelter and forensic exams.
But with a state budget hole over the next four years, funding those services past July 1 could be difficult, raising worries that some programs could have to close.
“This network is at its most fragile state it’s ever been,” said Laurel Redden, director of communications at King County Sexual Assault Resource Center. “We’re getting to a point where there is really going to be stress and strain on these organizations.”
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/02/10/funding-for-crime-victim-services-in-washington-is-running-short/