New York State will spend an additional $36 million this year on victim assistance programs, administered through the Office of Victim Services (OVS). Governor Kathy Hochul announced the additional funding on Friday, bringing the total statewide investment to $88.8 million. With federal funding, that makes the combined total $162.5 million, which is the largest single-year investment in victim services in the state's history. It will result in funding for 284 service providers statewide, which includes 35 new service providers to reach more New Yorkers in need. The announcement comes after Republicans in the State Legislature pushed for Hochul to restore critical funding to rape crisis centers, child advocacy centers, and domestic violence organizations.
The additional funding will allow OVS to bring new providers into the funding pool. That includes the following:
- 51% of current providers will see a significant increase from their current tentative award amounts.
- Licensed domestic violence providers will receive $11.7 million more in grant funding.
- Certified rape crisis centers will receive $11.7 million more in grant funding.
- Child advocacy centers will receive $4.8 million more in grant funding.
- And 15 additional programs that were initially not funded will now receive tentative awards.
All awards remain subject to the Office of the State Comptroller's review, and OVS will work closely with providers throughout the process.
