Supporting victims of violent crime, especially the youngest and most vulnerable of those victims, is among my most solemn responsibilities in the House of Representatives. For young survivors and their families, the criminal justice system can be an intimidating maze of questions, legal challenges, and hardships that, when added to the trauma of the underlying crime itself, may seem insurmountable. For years, I have worked with my colleagues to ensure these voices are heard at the highest levels of government.
Tragically, these brave children seeking justice now face the prospect of being left behind.
The Victims of Crime Act, and through it, the Crime Victims Fund, serves as a lifeline for millions of survivors to access the support they need to heal. VOCA funds are allocated to survivors of crimes as well as service providers, including the nation’s nearly 1,000 children’s…
