The Cost of Compassion: Why Funding for Victim Services Matters

The phone rings at 2 a.m. A victim of a violent assault is trying to understand their rights. A family grieving the loss of a loved one to homicide needs help navigating the justice system. A fraud victim is overwhelmed, unsure of how to recover from financial devastation. This is the reality for thousands of crime victims every year.

In each of these moments, there is no adequate value that can be placed on having access to a Victim Advocate who can step in – not just to provide resources, but also to offer something even more critical: hope.

At Victim Support Services, we believe no victim should have to navigate their trauma alone. But providing life-changing support takes more than dedication – it takes funding. Every court visit, crisis call, and emergency response comes at a cost, and without sustainable funding, victims may be left without the critical services they need. Advocacy takes time, resources, and dedicated professionals who ensure no victim falls through the cracks. Funding is the lifeline that makes it all possible.

What Does Advocacy Cost?

Here’s a look at what it takes to provide the services that victims rely on every day:

✅ $1,500 – The average cost to accompany one victim to a court hearing, covering staff time, transportation, and advocacy support.
✅ $50 – The cost to operate our information and referral line for a single day, ensuring victims can be connected to adequate services when they need it.

✅ $2,000 – The average cost for one client to attend our weekend grief retreat.

✅ $500 – The cost of providing interpreter services or translated materials so every victim has equal access to support.

✅ $150 – The cost for one client to attend our annual Lights o Remembrance event to honor loved ones who have been lost to homicide.
✅ $3,000 – The cost of training new advocates to ensure they are equipped to assist victims with professionalism and compassion.

These are not just numbers; they represent real people – neighbors, friends, and family members – who rely on these services during their most vulnerable moments. But when funding is cut, it’s not just programs that disappear. It is access to justice. It is safety. It is healing.

How You Can Help

As we recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week this April, we urge our community to stand with us to ensure that every victim has access to the support they deserve.

Donate – Every contribution helps us serve more victims in need.
Advocate – Raise awareness about the importance of victim rights and funding.
Partner – Businesses and community groups can sponsor services and events to make a direct impact.

Victims don’t choose to become victims. But as a community, we can choose to support them.

For more information, click here.

To donate, click here.