Massachusetts Children's Alliance’s Post

Colorado's victim services organizations are facing a dire funding crisis that threatens their ability to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. With potential cuts of over $250,000, Rise Above Violence anticipates significantly impacting its services in Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, which typically serves over 400 survivors annually. This looming crisis stems from decreased funding due to changes in federal prosecutions and fines, with the Colorado Department of Public Safety estimating a 50% cut from last year. Advocacy groups are urging state leaders to find creative solutions to fill this funding gap, highlighting the vital role of victim services in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities statewide. They call on community members to advocate for adequate funding by contacting area legislators and urging them to support victim services. #Crisis4Victims https://lnkd.in/gRnvThc3

The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly highlighted the challenges victims face in accessing support, with significant decreases in Victim Advocacy Agencies’ utilization. The SAFE-T System learned from this, adapting our services to ensure continuity of care and support even in the toughest times. As we move forward, we reflect on these lessons to strengthen our resilience and preparedness for any future challenges. How can we better prepare victim services for crisis situations? #VictimAdvocacy #PandemicLessons

Did you know that courtrooms - the very place people go for justice - can be weaponised against victims? We're taking a critical step forward for victims of family harm by addressing an often overlooked issue in our justice system: Litigation abuse in family violence. Dr Petrina Hargrave, our Principal Advisor for Victim Advocacy & Research, recently spoke to the Justice Committee to support a newly introduced bill that aims to shield victims from this type of abuse. 🔍 Read on to find out how courtrooms can be used as battlegrounds for abusers to exert control, and what's being done to prevent it: https://lnkd.in/gbzx_abG #VictimAdvocacy #EndLitigationAbuse

Human trafficking is not a rare crime—it’s a global issue affecting millions of people every year. Despite its widespread impact, trafficking often remains hidden, making it hard to grasp the full extent of the problem. Traffickers use fear, manipulation, and secrecy to exploit vulnerable individuals, leaving many victims suffering in silence. At Magdalena’s Daughters, we are dedicated to bringing this hidden crime into the light. Through advocacy, education, and direct support, we fight every day to protect survivors and prevent future exploitation. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help to continue our mission. Visit https://lnkd.in/g_hh4n7w to learn more about how we are making a difference and how you can support our efforts. Together, we can create a future where no one falls victim to trafficking. #HumanTraffickingAwareness #EndHumanTrafficking #Humantrafficking #MagdalenasDaughters #sextrsfficking

How You Can Help Someone Experiencing Domestic Violence: In an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger, call 000 right away. Listen to them without interrupting or judging, with empathy and compassion. Believe them and take their fears seriously, regardless of your opinions about those who hurt them. Don't make excuses for the abuser. Never blame the victim. Violence is never acceptable. Understand they may not be ready or safe to leave. Don’t force them to do what you think is best. Offer practical help like transportation, appointments, child care, or a safe place to stay. Some victims may need advocacy services. Help them find local services online. Reach out to 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit their website for chat and video call services. #enddomesticabuse #StopDomesticViolence #SupportSurvivors #CoerciveControl #abusiverelationships #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EndDomesticViolence #familyviolence #domesticabuse #dvawareness #domesticviolence #StandWithSurvivors #StandTogether #EndTheSilence

Despite Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) serving many more victims of child sexual abuse than child physical abuse, federal data show the latter is far more common, potentially indicating CACs without a specialized response to physical abuse may be unequipped to serve a large population of child victims of abuse within their jurisdictions. Check out our guide to learn how CACs can better deliver evidence-based intervention designed to meet the specific needs of victims of physical abuse. Then, share with your networks: https://loom.ly/aieOktU

📣 Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) dollars are the only federal funding source available for services to all victims of crime and the funds are at a historical low. Without action, this decrease in funds will result in a decrease in the number of victims and survivors that are served. We must bridge the gap for the thousands of survivors served by VOCA. Support the #VOCABridge to ensure the sustainability of services throughout the Commonwealth. We must continue to support survivors and stabilize victim service programming across the state. To help us support the swift passage of H.4496 and its inclusion of the VOCA Bridge to ensure the sustainability of services for survivors: ◾ Access a full advocacy toolkit created by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance here: https://bit.ly/3KmFW7z ◾ Determine who your local and state representatives are. The toolkit will help you find this information if you are not sure. ◾ Pick your preferred line of communication and open the suggested script. ◾ Use the suggested script to connect with your local and state representatives. ◾ Don't forget to share this post! 💙 #SupportSurvivors #VOCABridge #FullyFundVOCABridge #mapoli #SuffolkCAC #SuffolkCounty #ChildProtection #ChildSafety #ChildWellbeing #MassMOVA

The majority of my clients seeking my private domestic violence advocacy and mentoring services do so after exhausting all other avenues. Most have disturbing stories of being let down by government and government funded services. I love what I do and know that I am having an positive effect on the lives of my clients. The concern I have is why there is a need to seek out private services? The need to seek out private advocacy, mentoring and support is because our current support for victim survivors isn’t good enough. Most victims have been let down by police, courts and support services in some way. Not all survivors have the ability to pay for private services. WE NEED MORE FUNDING, it’s that simple. The recent federal budget didn’t even come close to providing funds to fix this issue. #domesticviolence #familyviolence #funddvservices #survivors #safetyplanning #enddv #supportvictims

We need your help! Please complete this brief survey from the National Organization for Victim Advocacy NOVA to tell us: how will the anticipated VOCA cuts impact your ability to serve victims and survivors of crime in your program? https://bit.ly/3wLNmxF

Completed my first course in the Crime Victim Assistance Program. I am volunteering to help abused children, adults, rape victims, domestic violence, etc in Ulster County NY. VAT Online - Core Competencies and Skills - Advocacy - National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) - Level 1 (0.5 Credits) Victim Assistance Training Online - Level 1 (0.5 Credits) Examines the critical role of victim service providers in advocating for crime victims. When you know how to advocate for crime victims, you ensure that their voices are heard and they receive the appropriate assistance.