Impact on VOCA Funding Cuts on Victim Services
Understanding VOCA Funding in South Dakota
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is a federal funding program that supports critical services for victims of crime across South Dakota. VOCA funds help sustain programs that provide safety, advocacy, and recovery support for children and adults affected by violence.
VOCA funding supports:
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Domestic violence and sexual assault shelters
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Child advocacy centers
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Crisis counseling and victim advocacy
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Legal advocacy and court accompaniment
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Emergency housing, transportation, and safety planning
For many rural and tribal communities, VOCA-funded programs are the primary, or oftentimes the only source of victim services.
Why VOCA Funding Has Declined
VOCA funds are primarily generated through fines and penalties paid by individuals convicted of federal crimes. In recent years, changes within the U.S. Department of Justice, including increased use of deferred and non-prosecution agreements, have significantly reduced these deposits.
As a result, national VOCA funding declined by approximately 70%, creating widespread instability for victim service agencies across the country.
While the VOCA Fix Act was enacted to help stabilize the fund over time, recovery is gradual. South Dakota agencies continue to operate in an uncertain funding environment, facing difficult decisions that directly affect victim access to services.
Federal VOCA Allocations (FY2022–FY2026)
| Year | VOCA Funding |
| 2022 | $10,377,353 |
| 2023 | $3,503,924 |
| 2024 | $4,779,178 |
| 2025 | $3,033,135 |
| 2026 | $3,978,678 |
Although funding began to recover in FY2026, VOCA allocations remain approximately 20% below FY2023 levels and far below pre-decline funding.
Beginning in 2023, South Dakota enacted state-level funding to help offset federal VOCA losses. This legislative action has been critical in maintaining victim services during a period of severe federal volatility.
State investment has helped:
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Keep shelters and advocacy programs operational
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Retain trained staff
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Prevent widespread service closures, particularly in rural and tribal areas
However, state funds cannot fully replace lost federal dollars. Even modest funding fluctuations can force agencies to reduce services or turn victims away.
Each year, 7,900–8,300 survivors and more than 4,200 children receive services through VOCA-funded programs. Funding volatility does not reduce victimization or the need for support.
Despite significant changes in funding, the demand for victim services in South Dakota has remained consistent.
Why Continued Investment Matters
When VOCA funding declines or becomes unpredictable, victim service agencies face immediate and serious consequences, including:
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Reduced staffing and shelter capacity
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Limited advocacy, counseling, and prevention services
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Cuts to rural and tribal programs with few alternatives
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Increased risk of victims being turned away during crisis situations
Stable state funding helps ensure:
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Safer families and communities
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Consistent emergency response statewide
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Strong partnerships with law enforcement and courts
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Support for families during periods of crisis
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Reduced long-term social and economic costs
The following reports provide detailed, year-by-year information on VOCA funding cuts, state responses, and impacts on victim services in South Dakota:
FY2023–2024 VOCA Funding Overview
Impact of Funding Cuts (Short Paper)
VOCA Funding Cuts Updated 2026
Victim needs in South Dakota remain steady. Federal VOCA funding remains unstable.
Continued state investment is essential to ensure that shelters, child advocacy centers, and victim service agencies can continue providing life-saving services across the state.