American Rescue Plan Act dollars will be used to help Iowans who are victims of crimes

An allocation of federal coronavirus-relief money means that agencies that assist Iowans who are victims of crimes will not face immediate budget cuts.

That means current service levels should be able to continue. But the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence said it and other groups are worried about funding for future years.

Congress had slashed its spending on Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, grants by over 30%, according to Iowa Capital Dispatch, leaving local victim service providers in the position of having to turn away people who need help.

In Iowa, the gap from previous annual funding was about $5.4 million. State lawmakers approved a status quo budget in the spring, leaving the gap intact until Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird announced in late July that $5.5 million of Iowa’s share of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund would be allocated to maintain support services.

“We are extremely grateful for their leadership and support in allocating these federal funds to victim support services. This one-time bridge funding was desperately needed,” said Maria Corona, executive director of Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in a prepared statement.

The one-time aid this year comes from funding approved in the American Rescue Plan Act during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Without adequate federal funding, states have two options: reduce victim services or find a way to cover the gap,” Reynolds said in a prepared statement. “Victims of crime deserve our full support of their recovery, and we will continue to ensure they have the services they need in Iowa.”

Less money means victims could go without important services

The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence also said in a news release that demand for services is increasing while government support declines. Services in rural areas and longer-term support for victims are particularly cost-intensive.

Service providers told Fearless earlier this year that drastic funding cuts could mean agencies helped only in the immediate aftermath of crime but weren’t able to assist people in reaching self-sufficiency after being victimized. Organizations that work with Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault assisted over 54,000 people in 2023, they said.

Subject to specific rules, VOCA money can be used for an array of support offerings. Providers can help with such needs as mental health counseling, short-term housing, legal assistance and more. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has a more comprehensive listing on its website.

If you need help
The Iowa Victim Service Call Center provides 24-hour support and connections to local programs. It can be reached by calling 800-770-1650 or texting “IOWAHELP” to 20121.