Joint Press Release: Temporary decrease in federal funding puts victims of crime at serious risk

A letter signed by Love146 and six other victim service organizations to Governor Lamont urged his
support for victims of crime by offsetting a temporary but significant loss of funding to crime
victims in Connecticut. The federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), administered in the state by the
Connecticut Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services (OVS), supports victims of domestic
violence, sexual violence, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, driving under the influence,
homicide, and other crimes. Grantees of the fund who work on the ground tirelessly supporting
victims will see a nearly thirty-five percent loss of funds at a time when the need for these critical
services is increasing as a consequence of the pandemic. Collectively, the organizations provide
essential services to most crime victims through the state.