Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to address a funding crisis for domestic violence shelters and prevention.
Today, Sen. Ossoff spoke passionately on the U.S. Senate floor about the need to swiftly pass the bipartisan Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation he’s co-sponsored to direct more funds to the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) needed for assistance and compensation to victims of domestic violence.
According to the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1/4 of victims of domestic violence in Georgia were turned away from services due to a lack of resources last year alone.
The bipartisan bill would strengthen the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) by transferring unspent funds collected through the False Claims Act (FCA), which are currently directed to the General Fund of the U.S. Treasury, to the CVF, boosting desperately needed resources for victims of violent crime.
“We have the opportunity and the obligation right now to pass this legislation for the Crime Victims Fund. Are we really going to miss this opportunity and this obligation when in my state, a quarter of victims of domestic violence were turned away from services last year?” Sen. Ossoff said on the Senate floor. “These are the organizations — the child advocacy centers, the domestic violence agencies, the rape crisis centers — who respond to the needs of the most vulnerable, neglected and abused people in our states.”
“It should have bipartisan support on the Senate floor right now. We should pass it before we leave for the summer,” Sen. Ossoff continued.
One organization in Georgia told the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence that without needed Federal funding, “Our organization would have to lay off approximately 50% of essential staff. We would not be able to support or meet the critical needs of victims in the community. The lack of support and services over time will negatively impact the community with an increase in crime and victimization.”
Another organization said, “Without our centers, the states will see an increase in domestic injuries, child abuse, sexual assault, and even death in many cases.”
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Jon Ossoff for his leadership in supporting survivors by co-sponsoring the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. His commitment helps ensure that critical services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes remain available and accessible. This support is a lifeline—it means shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and hope for thousands of survivors in Georgia and across the country. Victim service organizations are a vital resource in ensuring the safety and empowerment of survivors,” the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence said.
“Undoubtedly, survivors are relying more and more on victim services to address the violence they experience from abusers; in 2024 alone, domestic violence and sexual assault advocates answered over 110,000 crisis calls. Domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Georgia rely on these local hotlines, shelters, and programs for lifesaving support yet, without adequate funding, victims are left unprotected, and communities are left vulnerable. The data shows this devastating impact: last year, one quarter of Georgia victims were turned away from services due to programs’ lack of resources. Ultimately, supporting victim service organizations is critical to public safety and community resilience. Victims cannot wait, and the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act is a step in making sure they will not have to,” the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence continued.
Click here to watch Sen. Ossoff’s remarks.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to support victims of domestic violence.
In September, Sen. Ossoff announced over $30 million in Federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) to strengthen services for victims of violent crime throughout the state.
Last year, Sen. Ossoff delivered funding to the Cobb County District Attorney’s office to help expand the county’s Family Advocacy Center (FAC) that serves victims of crime, including domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Click here to read the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025.
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