FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2021

Media Contacts:

• Jessica Merrill, Communications Manager – California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: jessica@cpedv.org | (916) 444-7163, ext. 118
• Carissa Gutierrez, Communications Manager – ValorUS: cgutierrez@valor.us | (916) 446-2520, ext. 316

Governor’s May Revision Provides Needed Victim Services Funding

Advocates Praise the Governor’s Action, Call for Additional Focus on Long Term Funding Stability & Investment in Prevention

SACRAMENTO — Valor US (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence commend Governor Newsom for including $100 million in funding for crime victim services, including sexual assault and domestic violence programs, in his May Budget Revision. This critical funding will help protect survivors of sexual and domestic violence and put our state on a stronger path to healing from devastating harm. At the same time, our coalitions are disappointed that funding to prevent sexual and domestic violence were left out, especially since many communities are struggling to sustain this work without a state investment last year. As many Californians seek services after being confined to abusive households during this pandemic, the need to stop violence and support survivors has never been more urgent.

The inclusion of $100 million provides a needed backfill to address the urgent crisis of cuts to federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. Without this infusion of funding, crime victim services will face significant cuts beginning in FY 22-23, an untenable possibility at a time when demand for victim services is rising. The funding included in the Governor’s proposal will fill the funding deficit for one additional year, supporting the many organizations providing essential, life-saving services to victims of violent crime—including rape crisis services, domestic violence programs supporting survivors experiencing and at risk of homelessness, culturally responsive healing, legal services for survivors who would otherwise navigate our court system unrepresented, child abuse programs, and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs).

However, this amount falls short of the $315 million that was projected to be needed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to provide stability over a three-year period. We urge the Governor and Legislature to utilize this year’s unprecedented surplus to include this full amount in the final budget, and ensure cuts to victim services are not on the table now or in the near future.

We are also disappointed that the May Budget Revision failed to include funding for domestic and sexual violence prevention efforts. Local communities throughout California have innovated in the work to prevent violence before it happens, in spite of the state’s underinvestment and lack of consistency. Rates of violence rose during the pandemic and we must redouble our efforts around prevention as youth return to school with increased Adverse Childhood Experiences. $15 million in ongoing funding is crucial for organizations throughout the state to build more inclusive communities, where healthy relationships and consent are the norm. As the Little Hoover Commission stated in its January 2021 report on the state of intimate partner violence, “the state must create a permanent funding stream in order to invest in prevention and early intervention.” To truly end domestic and sexual violence in California, the state must invest in prevention.

We look forward to working with the Administration and the Legislature to ensure that essential funding for crime survivor services and prevention are both included in the final budget.

About ValorUS:

ValorUS is a national organization committed to advancing equity and ending sexual violence. Since our founding in 1980, we have continued to build dynamic relationships across a diverse range of communities,institutions and systems, and mobilize our network of survivors and advocates to influence change. Through leadership, prevention, and advocacy, we are fearlessly pursuing a world free from violence where the dignity of every person is valued and respected. For more information, visit valor.us.

About the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence:

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition, representing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations and allied individuals across the state. Working at the local, state and national levels for nearly 40 years, the Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 200 pieces of legislation on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children. The Partnership believes that by sharing expertise, advocates and legislators can end domestic violence. Through our public policy, communications and capacity building programs, we create system-wide change that supports survivors and invests in prevention. Every day we inspire, inform and connect all those concerned with this issue, because together we’re stronger. With offices in Sacramento, the Partnership’s member programs span the entire state. For more information, visit cpedv.org.

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