Biden signs Bill to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021

President Biden signed into law the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021

The bill, sponsored by and led by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, replenishes funding for the Crimes Victim Fund which has existed since 1984. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 100 to 0. The fund is used to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. The bill will provide more support to victims who have suffered physical and emotional abuse, endured economic costs, and grappled with mental health problems."On behalf of the domestic violence victims that Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence supports every day, we cannot emphasize enough how important and significant it is for President Biden to have replenished the Crime Victims Fund. The need for financial support for domestic violence victims, in particular, cannot be overstated. Many times the victims escape a situation literally with only the clothes on their backs with no access to bank accounts or financial resources that many times are in control of the abuser. The Crime Victims Fund has existed since 1984; the actions of President Biden and Congress -- where the bill passed 100 to 0 in the Senate -- will breathe new life into the program and, in turn, save countless lives and help victims becomes survivors. These funds will directly be put to good use at the local level by Next Door Solutions and other agencies in the Bay Area. We fervently hope Congress will continue the momentum against domestic violence by heeding President Biden's call to reauthorize and strengthen the protections in the Violence Against Women Act without further delay."

- Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Executive Director, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence