Last week, BARCC received news that we should anticipate an 18% cut in direct care funding for survivors next year on top of the 12% cut we received this year.
Why? Because the federal Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) funding has fallen dramatically in the past six years, from $69.2 million to $27.9 million.
How has BARCC survived these cuts? Because of you and our stakeholders. Additionally, state legislators have agreed to “bridge the funding gap” so that we can continue providing key services for all survivors.
How is this year different? Because the VOCA Bridge has not been included in state budgets for next year. We are staring down a gap that’s over $350,000 away from what we need to keep our services running smoothly.
Apparently, massive funding cuts to survivor service providers are becoming an annual routine. Even with last year’s VOCA Bridge, BARCC endured over $290,000 in cuts. Only through the tireless support of our volunteers and the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations, did our 24/7 comprehensive services for survivors continue without interruption.
The VOCA Bridge seems to be disintegrating, even as the demand for services has not relented. Survivors still reach out to BARCC every single day looking for help. Whether they’re trying to get through a panic attack or trying to find safe housing after fleeing an abusive relationship, we are committed to meeting them where they’re at and giving them the care they need.
We cannot allow the VOCA Bridge to become a bridge to nowhere. We cannot stand by while survivors’ lives become political bargaining chips. We need you to raise your voice with us today. Tell your legislators now that survivors of sexual violence need BARCC.
Here’s how to take action:
- Find your legislator
- Send an email or write a social media post
- Make a phone call
- Stay tuned for more ways to take action. Join our email list today at barcc.org/email
We cannot emphasize enough that this funding is critical to the ongoing support of survivors in the Boston area and beyond. Please stand up and speak out today.
