Crime victim programs in Washington struggle as funding erodes

Funding for crime victim services in Washington has plummeted by more than 50% since 2018, leading to potential reductions in critical services. Kate Krug, CEO of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, expressed concern that resources are at their lowest level ever. Hope Alliance, the only organization supporting survivors in Lewis County, nearly closed after losing $150,000 in funding, prompting it to cut hotline hours and legal services. The current state budget maintains a $20 million annual allocation, which advocates deem inadequate for the increasing needs of crime victims. This year, Hope Alliance assisted 628 individuals, a number that has risen consistently over the past five years.

A proposed Senate Bill aimed to secure $50 million annually for victim services, but it failed amid budget challenges. Advocates like Sen. Manka Dhingra are committed to exploring funding options in future legislative sessions. The uncertainty in funding models poses a major risk for organizations, potentially leading to closures or service reductions.