Madison – July 1, 2025 – End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault appreciate the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) for investing $20 million in victim services funding. However, that funding is only for one year of the biennium, effectively creating a funding cliff for crime victim services on June 30^th of 2026.

While this investment will help, $20 million does not address the shortfall in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding that began on October 1, 2024. The effects of VOCA cuts have forced agencies to lay-off staff and reduce the availability of core services, including shelter and crisis response; legal and medical advocacy; mental health services and support groups; and prevention and outreach work. Several agencies report they may close entirely without additional funding.

For survivors, this has meant longer waiting times for lifesaving services, fewer service options, and increased barriers to safety and healing. The smallest programs have been most impacted, including those serving communities of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and those in rural and low-income areas. Additionally, advocates have experienced unsustainable workloads, with many considering leaving the field.

The JFC proposal is a short-term solution, leaving programs facing a very uncertain funding landscape ahead. We fail survivors when critical resources are not available when they make the brave decision to reach out for help. WCASA and End Abuse call on the legislature to fully fund crime victim services for each year of the biennium to ensure lifesaving programs are available for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

We encourage reporters to include the National Domestic Violence Hotline [1−800−799−SAFE (7233)] and the National Sexual Assault Hotline [1-800-656-4673] in their stories for victims who need help.

A list of local Wisconsin domestic violence victim service providers can be found at www.endabusewi.org/get-help. A list of local WI sexual assault victim service providers can be found at www.wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers.

The Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA, www.wcasa.org) is a statewide coalition driven by our mission to create social change to end sexual violence. We offer training, support, and policy advocacy to enhance responses to sexual violence and work toward prevention. While our efforts extend to state and national levels, we are committed to supporting and complementing the work of local sexual assault service provider (SASP) agencies across Wisconsin.

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (End Abuse, www.endabusewi.org) is the leading voice for victims of domestic abuse in Wisconsin. At End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, we educate shelter and program volunteers and advocates, law enforcement, legislators, and community members to provide safety and support to survivors. We strive to shift Wisconsin from the attitudes and beliefs that cause domestic violence to values of mutual respect and equity, and we partner with communities in the effort to prevent and end domestic abuse.