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October 25 ,2024
As Election Day nears, this is a critical time to take stock of where we are as a country and to plot a post-election path that enables us to move forward no matter who holds office. Given that one in three people in the U.S. identifies as a survivor of violence, abuse or exploitation — and that data suggest that the real figure is well over half of the population — our vision for the future must include a robust and intersectional strategy to support survivors and reduce violence.
As the nation’s largest victim service organization, working with 250,000 survivors each year, we understand that safety is a fundamental human right that enables us to live, work and pursue happiness. Individuals must feel safe in their communities, homes, bodies and minds to thrive and reach their full potential.
We also know first-hand that violence thrives at the intersection of oppressions and, therefore, requires a comprehensive response. We know that effective gun safety legislation must acknowledge and address the link between domestic violence and gun violence. Immigration, migration and asylum policies will escalate violence and injustice if they ignore essential protections for survivors. Criminalizing homelessness while failing to address its root causes, which include violence, will shift focus from solutions to blame. Bodily autonomy — an absolute requirement for a society free of violence — will remain under threat if policy around reproductive rights and trans healthcare disregard survivors’ needs and experiences.
It is crucial that we create local, state and federal policies that are compassionate, inclusive and centered on lived experiences. Every legislative and budget decision made by lawmakers impacts the lives of survivors.
Gun violence prevention
Problem: The current political climate surrounding firearms is divisive, but one fact is clear: victims and survivors face greater risks without safe gun legislation. Policies that expand access to dangerous firearms have serious implications for mass violence and community safety, and especially for survivors of domestic violence. Research shows that the presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of injury or death by five times for those facing intimate partner violence.
Solution: The urgency for federal action on community gun violence, particularly regarding vulnerable individuals, cannot be overstated. The Supreme Court case of United States v. Rahimi underscores the critical need for national legislation to protect lives. Policymakers must implement comprehensive reforms that prioritize safety, enforce stricter regulations on firearms access and ensure protective measures for those at risk, especially survivors.
Safety for people fleeing violence and abuse
Problem: The words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty —”Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” — embody the promise of a safe harbor; a promise that we are failing to meet for too many who come to the U.S., especially those who are fleeing violence.
Solution: Crucial legal remedies and federal programs, such as U and T-visas for survivors of violence and trafficking, are under threat. Wrap-around services for new arrivals, including access to shelter, are vital in preventing further violence and exploitation. And we urgently need to shift the narrative away from demonizing and dehumanizing immigrants. Losing these protections endangers countless individuals who have suffered violence, abuse and exploitation and are simply seeking a safer, better future. Policymakers must recognize the human experience in the immigration policies they propose.
Access to safe shelter
Problem: Housing is a human right, and housing insecurity is the result of a collective policy failure. When we criminalize homelessness, we further traumatize and harm those already vulnerable. Youth homelessness, particularly among those aged 18 to 24, is an urgent issue that often goes overlooked and underserved. This demographic faces unique challenges that require tailored solutions.
Solution: We must implement effective policies that prioritize affordable and supportive housing, homelessness prevention and comprehensive support services to help young people transition into stable living situations. Policymakers must implement compassionate, long-term solutions that address the underlying issues of housing insecurity, rather than enact punitive measures.
Bodily autonomy
Problem: The erosion of bodily autonomy contributes to a culture of violence by disrespecting the most basic of human rights. Bodily autonomy is crucial for survivors, especially regarding reproductive rights and abortion access. Survivors of intimate partner violence frequently experience sexual violence as well as physical abuse, and abusers often seek to control survivors’ access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Furthermore, pregnancy and parenting can escalate violence and complicate the decision to leave an abusive relationship. These realities highlight the need for reproductive independence as a vital facet of personal safety. By making abortion illegal, even in cases of incest and rape, policymakers further endanger survivors, including minors. The violation of bodily autonomy also impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly for trans individuals facing barriers to healthcare and self-determination.
Solution: Policymakers must listen to survivors and end the attacks on women’s and transgender individuals’ bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. Policies that strip people of their reproductive healthcare rights are deadly and perpetuate a culture of violence.
Those who have survived violence have much to teach us about both its root causes and the solutions. When the dust settles after the elections, we invite elected officials to join us in listening to survivors and partnering with them to find real solutions to end violence. Together, we can build a future where safety and freedom from violence are accessible to everyone.
April 24, 2024
NEW YORK, May 16, 2024 – Safe Horizon proudly hosts its 28th annual Champion Celebration on Thursday, May 16th at the world-renowned Gotham Hall in New York City. This year’s honorees include Safe Horizon board member, Sonia Sande, EY Americas Consulting Talent Leader and New York State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.
The ceremony will also feature special appearances by New York’s own PIX11 Morning Show news anchors, Dan Mannarino and Hazel Sanchez, hosting the event’s live appeal.
Sonia Sande joined the Board of Directors of Safe Horizon in 2015. Sonia is a management consultant, currently serving as EY’s Americas Consulting Talent Leader, and is a member of the firms Inclusiveness Advisory Council. She was recognized with a ‘Women Leaders in Consulting’ achievement award from Consulting Magazine in 2018. Sonia was born in India, grew up in the UK and studied in the UK and Canada. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from the University of Cambridge.
Assemblywoman Cruz took office in 2019 representing New York State Assembly District 39 in Queens. The Colombian native migrated to Queens at age nine as a DREAMer, living in the United States for more than 10 years as an undocumented American. She is a dedicated advocate for survivor rights, standing proudly with Safe Horizon, survivors and legislators to get the New York State Child Victims Act passed in 2019 that opened a one-year lookback window for adult survivors of child abuse to gain justice against their abuser.
Prior to getting elected, Assemblywoman Cruz, became an attorney, fighting for tenant protections, immigration reform and workers’ rights. She also held various positions in city and state government in NYC City Council. Assemblywoman Cruz has passed more than 20 new laws to combat food insecurity, curtail the high cost of healthcare, protect aging New Yorkers, among other issues, and continues leading the charge to make sure her constituent’s needs are met. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor from the City University of New York’s School of Law.
A special feature of at this year’s ceremony will be The Things We Carry gallery exhibit. The gallery features photographs of items that survivors were able to bring with them as they started their journey towards healing. Each piece is an original artwork by Kelly Marshall and Philippa Brathwaite, and is paired with an audio recording describing the items.
“We are so proud to celebrate Sonia Sande and Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz for their dynamic achievements and commitment to prioritizing survivors, dedicating their service to ensure survivor access to resources for justice and healing is a mainstay,” said Liz Roberts, CEO, Safe Horizon. “The Champion Awards are a time for the tremendous accomplishments of our survivors, staff and partners to be recognized and we look forward to highlighting them during this special evening of unity.”
“I’m deeply appreciative of all the important work that Safe Horizon does to help thousands of New Yorkers at challenging times in their lives – it is an honor to be recognized by such a great organization,” said Sonia Sande, EY Americas Consulting Talent Leader.
“I am honored to receive this award from Safe Horizon. As a former client, I know first-hand the incredible impact Safe Horizon has had on my life and the life-changing support this organization provides other survivors in their greatest time of need. Safe Horizon and its dedicated staff are always there to ensure victims can get the mental, physical and legal help they need to begin healing. Through their advocacy and services, they have ensured that survivors are seen, heard and believed. I am truly humbled and grateful for this full circle moment,” said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.
The Champion Celebration will begin at 6:30 pm (reception at 5:30 pm). For more information, please visit our official Champion web page at www.safehorizon.org/champion.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more information, please visit www.safehorizon.org.
NEW YORK, NY – May 9, 2024 — Today, survivors and staff from Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim services agency serving over 250,000 New Yorkers annually, stand in solidarity to urge Mayor Adams to restore $3M in critical funding to its Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). The PEG, announced in the latest NYC budget for FY25, puts at least 11,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing life-saving support in the aftermath of a crime. This includes survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and gun violence, among others. This budget reduction would also require the elimination of 50 staff positions at Safe Horizon.
The Safe Horizon Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) has served more than 50,000 New Yorkers in the past year, with over 94% of survivors expressing they felt better and more informed after receiving assistance from the program. Launched in 2016, CVAP places specially-trained advocates in each of the NYPD precincts throughout New York City’s five boroughs – covering 77 police precincts, 9 Police Service Areas and the Special Victims Division that assists sexual assault survivors. The advocates meet with victims in the precincts, conduct home visits, and participate in informational fairs with officers from the NYPD to help survivors on their healing journey.
This multidisciplinary approach recognizes the trauma-specific support crime victims require immediately following a crime, including counseling, advocacy, financial compensation and shelter.
“This $3M reduction in funding to our Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) sends the message that survivors are not a priority when it comes to public safety. By providing timely, trauma-informed support to crime victims, Safe Horizon advocates help survivors access safety and healing across every neighborhood in New York City. Mayor Adams, we cannot leave 11,000 New Yorkers to navigate the aftermath of crime without the support of an advocate” said Liz Roberts, CEO.
“The support services provided by Safe Horizon play a critical role for New Yorkers. It’s crucial that we fully fund the Crime Victims Assistance Program in order to have a FY25 budget that accurately reflects our values and priorities,” said Councilmember Keith Powers.
“Of the 11,000 victims of domestic violence who will be made less safe by this 3 million dollar PEG from the Administration, over 3,000 of those victims received services at precincts within the 42nd Council District. Our District has been neglected for many years at many levels and as a community that has lacked services, it is unconscionable that this Administration would choose to continue making cuts to programs that service some of the City’s most vulnerable residents who have often already been victimized in other ways. This PEG is extremely harmful and the Administration must fully restore the entirety of this PEG as soon as possible,” said Councilmember Chris Banks.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more please visit www.safehorizon.org.
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Statement from Safe Horizon CEO Liz Roberts on Mayor Adams’ plans to dramatically cut $3M in city funding to Safe Horizon’s precinct-based Crime Victim Assistance Program.
April 24, 2024
“At a time when New Yorkers are deeply concerned about their safety on the subway, in the streets, and in their own homes, Mayor Adams plans to dramatically cut $3M in city funding to Safe Horizon’s precinct-based Crime Victim Assistance Program. This ill-advised cut means 11,000 New Yorkers will not receive critical, and often lifesaving, services following a crime. If Mayor Adams really cares about public safety, he will reinstate this funding so that Safe Horizon can continue to provide services that restore safety, promote healing, and ultimately prevent further crime.”
Join us in telling Mayor Adams:
Public safety = survivor support
Restore CVAP funding NOW!
Join Team Horizon to guarantee your entry to the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon and receive race day benefits!
Team Horizon runners receive guaranteed entry to the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon while raising critical funds to support Safe Horizon programs. Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization. Our mission is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. In just 13.1 miles you can help the 250,000 fellow New Yorkers who Safe Horizon’s services touch each year. One individual can make a huge difference!
Team Horizon Athletes Receive:
Fundraising Commitment
Team Horizon runners commit to raising a minimum of $1,250, due in full by April 26, 2024. Runners must complete a fundraising contract in order to secure a spot on Team Horizon. Space is limited and entries are distributed on a first-come basis.
Already signed up for the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon?
You can still run with Team Horizon! Runners who create a fundraising page and raise a minimum of $500 will receive race day swag and entry into fundraising contests!
For more information on joining Team Horizon for the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon, fill out the form below!
Visit the official NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon website for full information.
November 8, 2023
By Jimmy Meagher
Earlier this week, I joined our CEO Liz Roberts and our Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Polenberg in Albany to advocate for Safe Horizon’s 2024 budget priorities. Although we are hearing that next year’s budget may be tight, our message to Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration is that victims and survivors will have no place to turn if programs aren’t fully funded. Our community of victim services providers simply cannot sustain continued flat funding or, even worse, budget cuts to our programs. Budgets are values statements. They demonstrate the priorities of our elected leaders. Albany must make up for decades of underinvestment in the victim services sector and prioritize funding for programs like our Child Advocacy Centers, Domestic Violence Law Project, Community Programs, and so many others that rely on federal and state dollars to keep our doors open. The most important way Albany can do right by our community of providers and the survivors we help is to make up for shortfalls in federal VOCA funding in next year’s budget.
Victim services providers and antiviolence organizations across the country rely on many different federal funding streams to support and sustain our programs and services. One of the main funding sources that the sector relies on is the Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA. As part of VOCA, which became law in 1984, the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) was created as a non-taxpayer source of funding that supports the annual appropriation of funds for victim services. Today, VOCA funds nearly 6,500 victim services organizations across the country.
Several years ago, deposits into the CVF began to significantly decline, forcing Congress to decrease the amount of funding released for VOCA. In large part due to our collective advocacy, Congress passed the VOCA Fix Act in 2021, and President Biden signed it into law. This law directs deposits from deferred prosecutions and non-prosecution agreements to the CVF. Although the VOCA Fix Act has helped, it has not led to an increase in deposits at the rate we need it to. Because deposits into the CVF are still lower than they were at their peak, VOCA continues to face cuts, which will ultimately lead to programs laying off staff, reducing services, or closing.
We are at a crisis point that requires both federal action and state action. In New York, our federal VOCA grant has declined $121.6 million in the past five years. The NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS) is currently warning sub-grantees that it may not have the funding to fully cover the final year of our current 3-year contracts. While we advocate for a more permanent, sustainable federal solution, New York State must invest state revenues to make up for the VOCA shortfall. Other states, including Texas and Arizona, have found the necessary resources to keep critical victim services programs afloat, and we urge Governor Hochul to do the same in New York.
In budget after budget, the Governor and legislature rightly focus on how to create and promote safe communities throughout the state. But public safety is not solely about law enforcement and the mechanics of criminal court proceedings; public safety is about housing, economic security, access to healing, and so much more. The sustainability of the victim services and antiviolence sector is an issue of public safety. Our programs provide the supports and assistance survivors need. Our programs provide shelter, food, immediate financial support, and other essential safety needs. And our programs help survivors, their families, and their communities find healing. Albany must recognize this and use state revenues to support survivors and the safety net that organizations like ours provide.
Survivors of abuse connect to Safe Horizon at some of the worst moments of their lives. Providing support takes extraordinary compassion, commitment, and expertise. That’s what Safe Horizon staff provide, and they go to extraordinary lengths, doing whatever it takes, to make sure every survivor feels supported. At Safe Horizon, we always go #BeyondtheCall because for our staff, helping survivors is personal – and we count on our community of supporters to fuel this work.
Discover and Share Inspiring, Life-Changing Stories
Safe Horizon staff always go #BeyondTheCall to help survivors. Watch these incredible stories that show how our staff create meaningful relationships.
CEO of Safe Horizon Liz Roberts, Board Members Eboni K. Williams, Joe Falencki and Sunny Hostin attend Safe Horizon’s 26th Annual Champion Celebration at Ziegfeld Theater on May 10, 2022 in New York City
The View co-host attends the 26th annual Safe Horizon Champion Awards to celebrate the resilience of its staff and courage of its clients who persevered during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping their doors open to help 400,0000 survivors of crime and abuse to safety.
Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Liz Roberts, Eboni K. Williams, Joe Falencki and Sunny Hostin attend Safe Horizon’s 26th Annual Champion Celebration at Ziegfeld Theater on May 10, 2022 in New York City.
May 9, 2022
Contact: communications@safehorizon.org, 646-306-1136
NEW YORK, May 9, 2022 – Safe Horizon proudly hosts its 26th annual Champion Awards on Tuesday, May 10th at the world-renowned Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. The event is being held in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started. This year’s honorees include New York Times best-selling author, three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, and Co-Host of The View, Sunny Hostin, and Joe Falencki, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Morgan Stanley. Board member, television host and Real Housewives of New York Season 13 cast member Eboni K. Williams, will also participate in the evening.
Since March 2020 when New York City began lockdown at the start of the pandemic, Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest non-profit victim services agency, has kept its doors open, continuing to provide life-saving services for survivors 24-hours, 7-days per week, both in-person and remotely. Supporting nearly 400,000 survivors of violence and abuse throughout this crucial time, Safe Horizon’s advocates went #BeyondTheCall to make sure survivors could access safety and critical resources.
These are the stories of perseverance that will be highlighted at this year’s award ceremony. The Champion Awards showcases Safe Horizon’s achievements, raises critically needed funds, and honors individuals who are making a difference for so many of our most vulnerable neighbors.
Sunny Hostin, a New York Times Best-Seller, three-time Emmy Award-winner and Safe Horizon board member since 2017, has been a dedicated champion for Safe Horizon’s advocacy for survivors of violence and abuse. Hostin supported Safe Horizon in its fight for the successful passage of the New York State Child Victims Act in 2019, which makes it easier for child sex abuse victims to seek justice as adults. The former U.S. federal prosecutor was also awarded the Special Achievement Award by Attorney General Janet Reno for her prosecution of child sexual predators.
Joe Falencki, a Safe Horizon board member since 2016, serves as Chair of the Investment Committee for Safe Horizon and formerly served as a Council to Foreign Relations Corporate Leader. His years of service to Safe Horizon have helped the organization provide necessary resources for survivors, prioritizing their needs for safety and healing above all else.
“The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for our organization that we could never have imagined. We had to think quickly and creatively to make sure the needs of survivors were met without interruption. We could not have done that without the resilience and commitment of Safe Horizon’s staff, who remained available to support survivors 24/7,” said Liz Roberts, CEO, Safe Horizon. “We are excited to reunite with our supporters, staff, survivors and honorees in-person this year to celebrate the accomplishments of Sunny Hostin and Joe Falencki, as well as our staff who went Beyond the Call countless times during the pandemic.”
“I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this award from Safe Horizon,” Hostin said. “I have dedicated my life to fighting for justice and healing. I have seen the dedication and selflessness of the staff at Safe Horizon and know we have that in common. The work of this agency is critical for survivors of abuse and violence, and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
“I’m honored to be recognized by Safe Horizon. The important work this organization does to help survivors find safety, support hope and healing is truly inspiring. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the dedication of the advocates at Safe Horizon and to have the chance to support this organization’s important mission,” Falencki said.
The Champion Awards will begin at 6:30 pm (reception at 5:30 pm) and will include a special performance by the platinum-selling and three-time GRAMMY®-nominated R&B artist, KEM. The singing sensation overcame drug addiction and homelessness to release five albums and sell nearly 3 million copies combined worldwide.
Attendees will also enjoy a poignant dance performance of “Saa Magni (death is terrible)” by the world-renowned, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Established in 1958 by dancer, Alvin Ailey, the African-American dance troupe tours the globe performing over 235 inspirational dance works by more than 90 choreographers. The troupe continues Ailey’s mission since his passing in 1989 to expose the world to the performing arts and the talents of African-American dancers.
For more information, please visit our official Champion web page at www.safehorizon.org/champion/.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more information, please visit safehorizon.org.
City & State
By Judy Harris Kluger and Liz Roberts
February 25, 2022
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced amendments to her proposed budget that included $14.4 million for life-saving victims services across the state. While we applaud this additional critical funding, it is unfortunately not enough to rectify the catastrophic cuts to legal services that help our most at-risk neighbors.
For decades, the state’s Office of Victim Services (OVS, formerly the Crime Victims Board) has been the conduit of federal funding for more than 200 nonprofit service providers, hospitals, district attorneys and other law enforcement agencies in all corners of New York State that deliver critical services, including counseling, case management, and hotline assistance to crime victims. Each year, these services help tens of thousands of victims access vital community resources, recover from trauma, and get back on their feet in the wake of abuse, assault, or exploitation.
OVS grants are drawn from once-plentiful deposits in the Crime Victims Fund, a long-standing federal program that collects billions in fines and penalties paid by convicted offenders, dating back to the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). In 2018, OVS made the transformative addition of a legal assistance program, committing $17 million annually over five years to more than 60 service providers statewide, allowing them to significantly expand or even launch new legal programs for underserved New Yorkers.
Unfortunately, with VOCA deposits severely depleted in the past several years due to changes in federal prosecutions and fines, OVS abruptly notified legal providers in late December that it will be terminating its contracts early, leaving providers just nine months to figure out how to fill this gaping hole.
This loss of funding will have a devastating impact. At Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim services nonprofit, OVS funding for legal services has allowed us to serve an additional 1,887 survivors of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking, assisting them in family law and immigration law matters. At Sanctuary for Families, OVS legal funding supports the work of nine family law, immigration, and legal helpline attorneys and support staff who collectively have served more than 1,800 survivors in over 2,400 legal cases over the past four years. Many smaller agencies—and new legal programs launched with this funding—face the prospect of shuttering their programs altogether.
Vulnerable victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes already face countless hurdles that can hinder their ability to access justice. Poverty, lack of knowledge of their rights and the services available to them, immigration status, language barriers, fear of law enforcement and the criminal justice system, fear of retaliation, trauma – all these factors and many others can leave victims feeling like they have to navigate their options alone.
The acute need for victim services has only intensified during the coronavirus pandemic. Crime victims and their families, especially those from lower-income Black and brown communities and other communities of color, have felt the brunt of the public health crisis. Housing instability, food insecurity, job loss, lack of childcare, school closures, isolation, lack of access to testing and vaccines, higher positivity rates and illness—these are just some of the myriad dynamics that led to a documented increase in incidents of violence, abuse and exploitation.
In Washington, lawmakers of both parties recognized the grave situation facing victim service providers and the vulnerable individuals and families they serve. Last year, Congress acted with a “VOCA Fix” bill, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House (384-38) and Senate (100-0), and signed into law by President Joe Biden in July 2021. The law channels additional revenue into the Crime Victims Fund, which eventually should resolve the issue. However, budget analysts estimate that it will take 2-3 years for the Crime Victims Fund to be restored to previous levels.
The funding recently announced by Governor Hochul solves one problem but still leaves a gaping hole for victim legal services. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to be this way. Gov. Hochul has trumpeted the state’s strong financial position, thanks to increased tax receipts, a thriving stock market, and the influx of federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). There is, in fact, a budget surplus, including an estimated $24 billion in ARPA funds. A number of other states have already committed funding to keep the victim services sector whole – California set aside $100 million in ARPA funds, and other states, including Washington, Alaska, and Iowa, have made similar commitments. This is precisely the kind of urgent need this funding was intended to address. In New York, adding just over $10 million to the pool for a total of $25 million – a tiny fraction of the state’s budget, less than 1/10th of 1% of the surplus alone – would fill the legal services gap and keep these programs intact for the reminder of the contract term.
In a year when the state boasts strong fiscal health and the Governor is proposing bold, multi-billion-dollar investments for essential initiatives like rebuilding healthcare and public education systems and workforce, and anti-gun violence programs – within an overall Executive Budget $4.3 billion larger than last year’s approved state budget – allocating modest resources to forestall devastating cuts in crime victim services seems like an obvious choice. We applaud Governor Hochul for the steps she has taken. Now it’s up to the Legislature – a total of $25 million in the final budget is a small price to pay for safety and critical services for victims of crime.
Judy Harris Kluger is executive director at Sanctuary for Families and an advisory board member at New York Nonprofit Media, a division of City & State. Liz Roberts is CEO of Safe Horizon.