New York announces historic $162.5 million investment in victim services

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an additional $36 million in New York State funding for victim assistance programs, marking the largest single-year investment in victim services in the state's history. This new allocation, combined with $53.8 million previously committed this year and $73.7 million in federal funds, brings the total investment to $162.5 million.

The funding will be administered through the New York State Office of Victim Services and will support 284 service providers across the state, including 35 new programs receiving funding for the first time. The investment specifically targets licensed domestic violence providers ($11.7 million), certified rape crisis centers ($11.7 million), and child advocacy centers ($4.8 million).

According to Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, the funding is intended to prevent staff cuts and the elimination of vital programs as the demand for these services has outpaced previous funding levels. The programs provide no-cost assistance to victims and survivors in the immediate aftermath of crimes and throughout their healing processes.