Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) is pleased to learn that Governor Hochul has agreed to restore funding to assist victims of rape, domestic violence, and other crimes through the New York State Office of Victim Services. In an August 21 letter, Senator Gallivan and nearly two dozen of his Senate colleagues called on the governor to restore the critical funding to dozens of rape crisis centers, domestic violence organizations, and child advocacy centers. 

“These agencies provide vital services to residents across the state, and I am glad to see state funding has been properly restored,” Senator Gallivan said. “This funding will help ensure that programs remain in place to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and other crimes and to help them and their families recover.”  

Earlier this year, many child advocacy centers and rape crisis centers across the state learned they would receive substantial decreases or were denied funding altogether, forcing some to consider program and staff cuts.  

Last week, the governor announced an additional $36 million in state funding for victim assistance programs, adding to the state’s existing investment of $53.8 million. Combined with federal funding, total spending for victim services in New York is a record $162.5 million. The funding supports 284 service providers statewide through the Office of Victim Services.

                                                                                              -30-