Don’t Cut the Victim Services Stabilization Act! Contact Maryland Legislators NOW.
The proposed FY26 budget includes harmful cuts to victim services, including $10 million in funding for crime survivors and an additional $1 million cut to comprehensive domestic violence service providers. The proposed reduction in crime victims’ funding would be permanent if enacted, which means that although the current impact would mean a $10 million loss to victim services funding, the cuts to future funding may be even greater. The proposed $1 million cut to domestic violence services is a 1/3 reduction of state funds for local domestic violence service programs, including CHANA.
These funds provide essential victim services, including advocacy, counseling, and emergency shelters for survivors, as well as legal support for survivors seeking protective orders. These funds are a lifeline for a wide range of crime victims, from survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, to abused children, older adults facing mistreatment and families who have lost loved ones to homicide.
Maryland’s budget deficit should be resolved without jeopardizing critical services for survivors.
Contact your legislators to let them know that Maryland must do better for survivors of domestic violence: Do not cut the Victim Services Stabilization Act!