Recent gaps in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding have affected non-profits across Wisconsin. These non-profits have key services like sexual assault hotlines, domestic violence shelters, and advocacy services for victims of crimes. Among these non-profits, Disability Rights Wisconsin serves people with disabilities who are victims of crimes – a group often dismissed by law enforcement and the legal system. However, funding gaps mean that the agency has had to reduce the number of cases they can take on and the services they give.
Pam Malin, Disability Rights Wisconsin victim advocate, speaks about the importance of making sure all organizations can provide key advocacy for victims of crimes: “I feel like sometimes funders want us to compete with each other, and the truth is that we are all very needed. There is no excess of advocates out there.”
There is good news on the horizon. Disability Rights Wisconsin, along with many other non-profits, has been accepted for a state grant through September 2027. This grant will fund legal advocacy services and staff positions and give the agency the room needed to serve more people.
Read more about the effects of these funding gaps and the importance of our work for people with disabilities who are victims of a crime in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s article, “Wisconsin disability advocates grapple with loss of VOCA funding,” by Tamia Fowlkes.