Los Angeles County is facing a dire situation. At a time when we should be promising to do better for victims of violent crime, Sacramento may make their lives dramatically worse. A proposed state budget would cut 45 percent in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding to statewide victim services organizations, as well as threaten victim services provided by our office’s Bureau of Victim Services. If the Legislature and the governor do not step in to help backfill a massive budget shortfall, vital victim services will disappear.
As district attorney of Los Angeles County, I fear what this will mean for victims, their families, communities, and public safety.
Our Bureau of Victim Services plays a critical role in ensuring that victims receive the care and support they need during some of the most challenging and traumatic moments of their lives. From providing emotional support and resources for counseling to assisting with navigating the complex criminal legal system, our dedicated team of victim advocates is there every step of the way to help victims rebuild their lives and find a sense of closure.
The proposed state budget, which would cut $2.25 million in funding to our Bureau of Victim Services, threatens to undermine the support and assistance we are able to offer to crime victims in our community. This reduction in funding would inevitably harm victims in Los Angeles County and hinder our ability to provide the level of care and support they deserve during their time of need.
It is my duty to advocate for justice for the victims of crime who often suffer in silence. Los Angeles County is home to over 10 million residents, making it one of the most populous and diverse regions in the United States. With such a large population, it is no surprise that our office serves a significant number of victims each year – more than 50,000 individuals turn to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for support, guidance, and justice in the face of crime.
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We cannot stand idly by and allow this injustice to occur. Victims of crime deserve our unwavering support and commitment to help them heal and move forward from the trauma they have experienced. By investing in the Bureau of Victim Services, we are not only upholding our duty to seek justice but also demonstrating our compassion and empathy for those who have been affected by crime.
I urge our community, lawmakers, and stakeholders to recognize the critical importance of funding victim services in Los Angeles County – and throughout the state.
State budgets that affect the well-being of Californians also are moral documents where we make choices about who to support and what to fund. We must come together to ensure that victims receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with strength and resilience. Together, we can make a difference and show that in Los Angeles County, we stand with victims of crime, today, and always.
George Gascón is district attorney of Los Angeles County.
