COLUMBIA, S.C. — A $700 million reduction in federal aid looms over organizations dedicated to helping victims of violent crimes.
When survivors of sexual assault need support, Pathways to Healing becomes a lifeline.
"These services are life-changing; it really can save a life to be able to get immediate care after an assault," said Director Rebecca Lorick.
Lorick fears these services may soon be in jeopardy.
“I think it would just be catastrophic,” said Lorick.
Lorick tells News19 that 75 percent of Pathways to Healing's budget stems from the Victims of Crime Act Fund.
“It is massive. It is what keeps the doors open,” said Lorick.
The fund was established in 1984 and is fueled by fees from federal prosecutions.
Sara Barber, representing the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, explains that this vital fund has been steadily shrinking due to a decline in prosecutions.
"Our member organizations as a whole have seen a 38 percent cut since 2018 in their funding from VOCA, and now we're looking at another substantial cut on top of that," Barber reveals.
According to the State Attorney General’s Office, South Carolina is anticipating a $12 million allocation in VOCA funding this year, a significant drop from the previous year's $21 million.
In response to this impending crisis, Alan Wilson is urging the General Assembly to allocate $15 million to bridge the funding gap.
Wilson said in a statement to News 19:
“We are asking the General Assembly for $15 million in state money to hopefully supplement the lack of these funds to keep agencies that serve victims of crime open so they can continue to provide those crucial services. We hope that this will help until the VOCA fund can get replenished. If we are faced with the reduction, the office is considering many strategies for reducing VOCA subawards in a way that would minimize the detrimental effects cuts may have on agencies and the victims they serve. Without the help of the General Assembly, we will have to ask our subrecipients to take cuts.”
In the meantime, Lorick and Barber implore the public to reach out to their local representatives, emphasizing the importance of advocating for the preservation of crucial funds.
"People have a voice, and let that voice be heard that these funds are important and that we do care about survivors," Lorick said.
“This will be a major impact if those funds are not replenished,” said Barber.
To bolster support for survivors and raise awareness, Pathways to Healing will host its annual fundraising event, "Walk a Mile in Our Shoes," at the State House on April 20th.
If you are a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or other acts of violence, you can reach out to the 24-hour crisis line at (805) 545-8888. Interpretation is also available in most languages including American Sign Language.