Federal policy decisions directly shape whether survivors can access safety, housing, legal support, and advocacy. Right now, victim services across the country are facing a significant funding crisis driven by the collapse of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
Alongside our national partners, National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), we are advocating for sustained federal investment in victim services, prevention, and housing so that communities can respond to violence and support survivors.
Below are our top federal priorities for FY27, along with key funding requests and policy actions. For more details about current federal legislation, please see NNEDV and NAESV’s fact sheets below.
Top Federal Priorities (FY27)
- Stabilize the Crime Victims Fund (VOCA)
- Invest in core survivor services (VAWA, FVPSA)
- Expand prevention funding
- Increase access to safe and stable housing
- Ensure equitable access to services, including for immigrant survivors and culturally specific communities
Stabilizing Victim Services Funding
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) & Crime Victims Fund (CVF)
What’s happening
The Crime Victims Fund (CVF), created in 1984, provides federal funding through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to support services for survivors of crime. This funding—generated from federal fines and penalties, not taxpayer dollars—has historically supported millions of survivors each year through thousands of local programs, including domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, and child advocacy programs.
In recent years, deposits into the CVF have dropped significantly, leading to major cuts in funding for victim services nationwide. In Washington, VOCA funding has decreased by 76% between 2018 and 2024, creating a severe and ongoing funding crisis for programs that support survivors.
Why it matters
VOCA has been a primary funding source for victim services for decades—but it was never designed to carry that level of responsibility. As funding declines, programs are forced to reduce services, turn survivors away, or close entirely. Without action from Congress, communities will continue to lose critical support systems that help survivors find safety and stability.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Provide stable funding for the Crime Victims Fund at $2 billion annually
- Pass the bipartisan Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (H.R. 909 / S.1892)
- Fund tribal victim services
- Ensure no additional transfers from the Crime Victims Fund
Core Survivor Services
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) supports comprehensive, community-based responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. These programs strengthen coordination between service providers, law enforcement, and community systems. Priority programs are outlined below.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Invest $1.16 billion in VAWA Department of Justice programs.
Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP)
The Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) is the only federal funding stream dedicated solely to direct services for survivors of sexual assault, including counseling, advocacy, and support for underserved communities.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Invest $100 million in SASP
Transitional Housing Program
The Transitional Housing Program helps survivors and their families access safe, stable housing while rebuilding their lives. Demand continues to far exceed available resources.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Invest $100 million to expand housing access for survivors
Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV)
The Legal Assistance for Victims Program (LAV) provides critical legal services for survivors, including help with protection orders, custody, and other legal needs that impact safety and stability.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Invest $100 million to expand access to legal services
Family Violence Prevention & Services Act (FVPSA)
The Family Violence Prevention & Services Act FVPSA) is the primary federal funding source for domestic violence shelters and programs, as well as the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Programs across the country are unable to meet the current level of need due to limited resources.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Fund FVPSA at $500 million
Sexual Assault Services & Rape Crisis Centers
Rape crisis centers provide essential support for survivors, including crisis intervention, advocacy, and prevention programming. Many are facing funding cuts and delays while demand continues to increase.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Invest $100 million in the Office of Prevention and Services (OFVPS) to support sexual assault services, partnerships, and national resource centers
Prevention
Rape Prevention & Education Program (RPE)
The Rape Prevention & Education Program (RPE) funds prevention work across states and communities, supporting efforts to stop sexual violence before it occurs. Programs are seeing increased demand but reduced funding.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Invest $100 million in RPE
DELTA Program
DELTA is the only dedicated federal funding source for the primary prevention of domestic violence. It supports community-based strategies to prevent violence before it starts.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Fund the DELTA program at $26 million
Housing & Economic Stability
Housing for Survivors
Domestic and sexual violence are leading causes of homelessness. Survivors often face significant barriers to finding and maintaining safe, stable housing.
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program
The CoC program supports local systems that provide housing and services to people experiencing homelessness, including survivors.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Allocate $75 million to support survivor access to safe, affordable housing
Additional HUD Investment
Additional targeted investments help ensure that housing systems are equipped to respond to survivors’ needs.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Allocate $600,000 for the Office of Gender-Based Violence at HUD
- Allocate $15 million for domestic and sexual violence training and technical assistance
Equity & Access
Culturally Specific Services
Communities of color experience violence at disproportionate rates and often face barriers to accessing services. Culturally specific, community-based approaches are essential to ensuring effective and accessible support.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Invest $35 million in culturally specific services
Immigrant Survivors
Immigrant survivors often face additional barriers to safety, including fear of deportation and limited access to protections. Federal policy plays a critical role in ensuring survivors can seek help safely.
What we’re asking Congress to do
- Maintain and publish data on survivor-based immigration protections and enforcement actions
- Ensure no funds are used to apprehend, detain, or remove survivors seeking protection
- Recapture unallocated U visas