Time is running out. Funding for victim service programs in Washington State is set to expire on June 30, 2025. Without action, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse could lose access to life-saving support.

A Growing Crisis

Victim service programs face a devastating funding shortfall. The dramatic reduction in federal VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding—down 30% this year alone—has left providers across the state struggling to maintain critical services. Without intervention, essential programs—including emergency shelter, crisis hotlines, and legal advocacy—may be drastically reduced or even shut down.

How VOCA Funding Supports Survivors

Safe Shelter

YWCA Spokane relies on VOCA funding to keep its 24/7 helpline and safe shelter open. This funding ensures survivors have access to:

• Safety planning and crisis support
• Community resources and referrals
• Emergency shelter when no other options exist

VOCA funds also cover the salaries of 2.5 full-time shelter advocates and essential client needs such as cleaning, food, and transportation. In 2024, our helpline received 4,498 calls, and we provided a safe home to 195 survivors, their children, and 23 pets.

Women’s Opportunity Center

VOCA funding also supports Our Sister’s Closet, a free boutique within YWCA's Women's Opportunity Center, offering:

• Clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Coats and undergarments
• Toiletries and hygiene products

In 2024, this program provided 456 appointments and distributed 531 care packages to survivors fleeing abuse.

Drop-In Childcare Center

For survivors with children, safe childcare is critical. Our VOCA-funded Drop-In Childcare Center provides:

• A secure, nurturing space for children
• Support based on trauma-informed care principles

Thanks to VOCA, we provided 415 caregiver visits and served 564 children in 2024.

Legal Advocacy

The legal system can be overwhelming for survivors. Our Legal Advocacy team, funded by VOCA, assists victims in court by:

• Reminding clients of court dates
• Helping with victim statements
• Informing them of their rights

In 2024, our legal advocate handled 1,390 client contacts. Without VOCA funding, one in five domestic violence victims in Spokane County would have to navigate the legal system alone.

Domestic Violence Support Center

Our Domestic Violence Support Advocates help survivors build safer futures by providing:

• Safety planning
• Resource navigation
• Emotional support

In 2024, we served nearly 800 families and facilitated over 1,100 appointments. Cutting VOCA funding would leave countless survivors without help in their most critical moments.

Why This Matters

Without funding, these essential services will be drastically reduced, forcing survivors to navigate dangerous situations alone. Beyond individual impact, these cuts threaten broader efforts to break the cycle of violence in our community. The demand for services continues to grow. Without state intervention, the consequences will be devastating.

Take Action Now

Senate Bill 5362 and House Bill 1487 propose allocating $50 million to crime victim services in the next two-year budget. This funding would keep these life-saving programs open.

How You Can Help

Contact Governor Ferguson today and urge him to prioritize funding for victim services.

A simple message can make a difference. Use the below sample letter, personalize it if you’d like, and send it as soon as possible.

My name is [Name]. As a resident of [City, State] and a supporter of YWCA Spokane, I am reaching out to urge you to ensure that $50 million is included in the state 2-year budget to sustain critical victim services. Without this funding, programs that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse will face devastating cuts, leaving thousands without access to life-saving resources.

SB 5362/HB 1487 would provide essential funding to stabilize these programs. As federal VOCA funding declines, it is crucial that Washington State steps up to protect these services. Survivors in our community cannot afford to lose this support.

Please make victim services a priority in the state budget. Your leadership on this issue will directly impact the safety and well-being of countless individuals.

Take Action

Survivors are Counting On Us

Survivors of violence, abuse, and crime should not be left without support. Securing this funding will make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.

"Our community's advocacy makes a difference, states Jeanette Hauck, YWCA Spokane CEO. "When our leaders hear directly from their constituents, they see the real-life impact of their decisions. Survivors in Spokane cannot afford for these services to vanish. Together, we can ensure that our community remains a place where safety, justice, and dignity are upheld for all."