Over the next two years, 28,000 fewer crime victims will be served by Iowa programs if we do not secure additional funding for victim services. I implore state legislators to support crime victims, starting with a $2.5 million increase in victim services funding this year. The capacity of local programs to support victims is threatened by catastrophic cuts in federal Victims of Crime Act, VOCA, grant dollars to Iowa.
In the past year, Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center supported 1,835 victims of abuse in a 10-county service area. Our services are free and confidential. If these cuts are not stopped, we would be forced to lose multiple staff, close outreach offices, and serve fewer victims.