| BUSH WRONG TO CUT FUNDS TO ASSIST CRIME VICTIMS On December 20, 2007 we were informed that President Bush cut $35 million for crime victims from the general treasury. VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) is the only federal program that supports services to all types of crime. This fund comes from the collection of federal criminal fines, not taxpayer dollars. Congress has repeatedly said that all amounts deposited into the fund would remain available for victim services. Although many members of Congress supported increases to VOCA, the pressure from Bush to cut funding was just too strong. The $35 million cut means local programs such as Crime Victim Assistance and Crime Victim Shelters will have less money. Some programs will close and some will turn victims away. Victims of crime are in every community. No one asks to be victimized or preyed upon. How will we cope without victim advocates and the many services that they provide to victims in our communities? Every funding cut takes away a piece of justice for the victim and causes further victimization. Lisa Brucato, B.S. Program Coordinator Crime Victim Assistance & Advocacy Program Northwest Buffalo Community Center |
| Lisa Brucato on Crime Victim Assistance & Advocacy |