National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
  • NAESV C/O RALIANCE, 655 15th Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005

Federal Funding

Entrenched victim blaming attitudes continue to make it challenging for victims to come forward. Preventing it requires us to ask disturbing questions of ourselves and each other and challenge the most secret, private, darkest corners. Rape crisis centers provide the frontline response to rape and sexual abuse in their communities advocating for victims, spreading awareness and prevention messages, and coordinating with criminal justice and other professionals who respond to these crimes. But tight economic times have stretched resources for police and nonprofits alike. Nationally, at least 25% of rape crisis centers have a waiting list for core services, 61% have 3 or less staff, and 93% of staff make less than $40,000/year 11. And recent gains are in danger of slipping away. That’s why the federal government, with its ability to harness information and direct significant financial resources, must remain a full partner in this fight. Sexual violence is a national problem that needs national, state and local solutions. Congress, by fully funding anti-sexual violence programs, and the White House, by aggressively executing anti-sexual violence laws in place, each has an obligation to end sexual violence.