Governor Newsom signs AB 2432 into law, establishing the California Crime Victims Fund
New funding stream created to address federal cuts, bring long-term stability to services for victims of violence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2024
Press Contacts:
Grace Glaser, Public Affairs & Policy Manager: gglaser@valor.us, (916) 446-2520 x323
Megan Tanahashi, Strategic Communications Analyst: megan@cpedv.org, (916) 800-4856
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California VOCA Advocacy Alliance released the following statement from Holly Flemming of Children’s Advocacy Centers of California in response to Governor Newsom signing AB 2432 in law:
“We applaud Governor Newsom and the Legislature for creating a long-term funding stream for crime victim services. In the midst of drastic declines in federal funding over the past several years, this will provide lifesaving help to Californians who need emergency shelter after fleeing domestic violence, mental health counseling in the aftermath of rape, forensic interview support in child abuse investigations, and much more.
When service providers faced staff reductions and closures threatening these vital services, they joined Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel in urging support for AB 2432. With support from over 200 organizations and bipartisan, unanimous support in the legislature, this bill provides a long-term solution to years-long declines from the federal Victims of Crime Act – the backbone of our state’s response to crime victims’ needs. In the years ahead, funds will be generated by holding corporations criminally accountable for harms committed against Californians.
AB 2432 builds on the recent progress of a $103 million one-time funding allocation in the state budget. This provided temporary relief so that crisis center hotlines could continue to be staffed and doors could stay open. The California VOCA Alliance has already begun state budget advocacy for 2025 – because while the California Crime Victims Fund sets the stage for more consistent funding, it will take time to build. In the coming year, as we wait for this fund to grow to a sufficient level to be of assistance to our programs and the survivors they serve, we expect that the Legislature and Governor will continue to support state-level funding for crime victim service providers and the clients they serve, mindful that we need both short-term and long-term solutions for these essential services.
We invite Governor Newsom and legislators to join us at this early stage to ensure that their constituents in crisis are able to access services that promote safety and healing.”
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The California VOCA Advocacy Alliance consists of statewide organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of crime, advocates, and their communities. Our large coalition works to advance the rights of survivors of trafficking, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and others. With a common goal to advocate for our communities, we center equitable access to victim services in our decisions.
