In this report, La Follette students assess the impact of funding decreases in the Crime Victims Fund.
Summary
Graduate students from the La Follette School of Public Affairs analyzed the effects of recent reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding on victim service providers (VSPs) across Wisconsin. VOCA, which supports services for crime victims through the Crime Victims Fund, experienced a nearly 40% funding drop from 2023 to 2024. Despite steady demand for services, providers reported reduced staffing, diminished service quality, and difficulty meeting victims’ needs.
The team conducted interviews with 19 VOCA-funded agencies and found consistent challenges across both rural and urban areas. Their recommendations include fulfilling the Wisconsin DOJ’s $67.8 million VOCA budget request, conducting further research on the benefits of victim services, and encouraging VSPs to build resilience through collaboration, diversified funding, and volunteer engagement.
Information
- Course: Workshop in Public Affairs, PA 869, taught by Jason Delborne, Spring 2025
- Authors: Courtney Clark, Alivia Lindorfer, Sabina Huseynova, Ayah Kenj Halabi, and Eli Tsarovsky
- Client: Wisconsin Department of Justice, Office of Crime Victim Services