We have to make sure that victims of crime receive the support they need

Over 42,000 Rhode Islander were looking for help with the sacrificial service organizations in 2024.
Federal funding for victim services is confronted with cuts and uncertainties.
The proposed legislation (H5390/S258) would create a state-financed victim fund subsidy program in Rhode Island.

As a state and as a society, we often concentrate on those who commit crime as they judge, condemned and rehabilitated. But we cannot forget that many crimes have a victim.

In Rhode Island in 2024, more than 42,000 Rhode Islander searched for help from sacrificial service organizations. These are victims of domestic violence, child abuse, weapons, sexual assault, human trafficking, hate crimes, stalking and physical assault. They are also our friends, our neighbors, our employees and our relatives. They include all communities and income levels and deserve our support.

Traditionally, programs that have been financed by the Federal Government were traditionally helped by the federal government. Unfortunately, there is a lot of uncertainty in Washington nowadays and these means have cuts and could evaporate overnight.

It was only last year that the Federal Government reduced the financing of the law of victims of crime by 40%and continued to burden the organizations in our community that had already been struggling.

Now the time for Rhode Island is to ensure the continuity of these important services.

By investing in the support of victims, we strengthen our communities and ensure that everyone has survivors about the resources they need to heal.

The effects of these services expand through the person who receives support – to the families and communities to which these victims belong. In addition, Rhode Island is one of only one of a handful of states in which a special position in the state budget is missing to support the victim services.

The legislation (H5390 and S258) proposed by Rep. Robert Craven, D-North Kingstown, and Senator Matthew Lamountain, D-Warwick, would strengthen the state's ability to provide the critical aid services that the victims need. The law endeavors to set up a program for the grant of the victim fund, the approved number of state funds for qualified non -profit organizations, emergency accommodation, supportive living space, legal support and basic needs for “minor victims of child abuse, sexual assault, survivors, surviving, surviving, victims of domestic violence and survivors, violence in Provide violence and violence of violence.

This legislation is supported by a interwoven and diverse network of supporters, including Sojourner House, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, the Rhode Island coalition against domestic violence and the non -Violence institute. These organizations are at the forefront every day and offer Rhode Islander critical and saving services. They understand the realities that are victims of abuse and that help them find a way forward after traumatic events.

As a society, we look forward to the day when the topics of sexual attacks, child abuse and domestic violence are banished in the history books. In the meantime, however, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that the victims can access the help they need in a moment of need. By investing in victim services, we invest in security, prosperity and economic well -being of our communities and our state.

I ask you to support H5390 and S258 to set up a Rhode Island victim fund. Together we can ensure that every Rhode of Islander, who experiences violence, can receive help and support that he needs and deserves, as well as the possibility of recovering and thriving.

James A. Dossa is General Treasurer of the state of Rhode Island.

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