We are working with lawmakers to advocate for an increase to the Ohio Attorney General Office Rape Crisis Programs Line Item in the state budget.
In the 133rd General Assembly, lawmakers allocated $4.8 million per fiscal year for Ohio’s Rape Crisis Center Fund. This allotment was calculated expand services to cover all 88 counties. Instead, it served to stabilize existing programs and services following VOCA cuts. In FY'20, VOCA recipient rape crisis programs experienced an estimated 22%-48% reduction in funding.
Although funding has decreased for Ohio's rape crisis programs, the demand for these services has increased during the pandemic - including child sexual abuse. Programs have had to shift service delivery models and purchase equipment for remote advocacy, emergency survivor needs, and program materials for survivors who lack access to technology.
It is crucial for lawmakers to make increased investments in the Rape Crisis Center Fund. Bolstering the RCF will rape crisis centers provide essential programs and services to meet the evolving needs of all Ohio sexual violence survivors.
An increase of $10 million per fiscal year will allow programs to proceed with level services and avoid cuts to pre-2015 levels.
Join us at our 7th Annual Advocacy Day as we advocate for this critical funding!