April 21–27, 2024
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), we honor the resilience of crime victims and reinforce our commitment to creating a supportive environment for them to share their experiences.
This year, we commemorate NCVRW from April 21–27, 2024, under the vital theme: “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” This theme challenges each of us — whether we are prosecutors, community members, or leaders in various fields — to take action to actively support and uplift victims of crime.
Crime Victims Stabilization Fund
This year, we commemorate NCVRW at a time when the Crime Victims Fund, traditionally supported by fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders, faces significant financial shortfalls that threaten the continuation of essential services for victims.
The Crime Victims Fund was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984. These funds supplement vital resources supporting thousands of victim assistance programs throughout the United States, including Child Advocacy Centers, domestic violence agencies, and rape crisis centers, serving an average of 3.7 million victims of crime each year.
While deposits into the Crime Victims Fund fluctuate depending on the cases prosecuted by the Department of Justice, the fund has seen a drastic decline in recent years. According to the Office for Victims of Crime, the Crime Victim Fund’s end-of-year balance for FY2024 was $1.2 billion—a 90% decrease since FY2017. As a result of this shortfall, the victim assistance programs supported by the Crime Victims Fund nationwide face a devastating 40% cut to Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) victim services grants, potentially devastating America’s victim service infrastructure. Without Congressional action, service providers will not be able to meet existing needs, and many will be forced to close.
Call-to-Action: Advocate for the Passage of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act
A bipartisan bill, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, addresses the funding issue through the collection of leftover unobligated funds collected under the False Claims Act (FCA). This temporary infusion of resources will help stabilize the Crime Victims Fund through FY 2029.
Together, let’s respond to this year’s NCVRW theme by taking decisive action. How will you help? Advocate for the passage of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act and ensure that every victim receives the support and options they deserve. Join us in making a significant impact during NCVRW 2024 and beyond.
Resources and How You Can Help
- Leverage the 2024 NCVRW Resource Guide to engage with your community, utilize provided outreach tools, and amplify our collective call for legislative support. The guide includes sample materials for media outreach, strategies for community engagement, and compelling artwork to bolster our advocacy efforts.
- Use NDAA’s Contact Your Legislator tool to find your members of Congress and contact the appropriate staff to share your voice.