New York has unveiled a record-breaking $379.5 million investment in victim assistance programs statewide, aimed at supporting survivors of crime and their families through a vast network of services.
The funding, distributed over three years, includes $100 million in state funds secured by Hochul in the FY26 budget to offset reductions in federal aid. It marks the largest allocation ever administered by the State Office of Victim Services (OVS), benefiting 230 nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and government agencies across New York.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and I am committed to ensuring our law enforcement and community partners have the resources and tools necessary to prevent and solve crimes, but also ensure that victims and survivors have access to the support they need as well,” Hochul said.
Programs receiving support offer no-cost services such as crisis counseling, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance, case management, and therapy. Nearly half of the funding—49 percent—is designated for domestic violence services, followed by 22 percent for underserved communities, 15 percent for child abuse services, and 14 percent for sexual assault support.
The grant distribution reaches all ten regions of the state, with New York City receiving over $47 million, followed by the Finger Lakes at $14.9 million and the Mid Hudson region at $18.3 million. Additionally, more than $21 million will support programs focused on communities disproportionately affected by gun violence.
The current funding round expands OVS’s reach, adding 25 new recipients to its existing network of 219 grantees. Grant awards range from $72,000 to $4.3 million, with an average award of $506,000. According to federal regulations, priority must be given to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, along with underserved populations.
“This record-level funding will help ensure continued support for victims and survivors while improving access to services, especially in those communities most impacted by violence,” said OVS Director Bea Hanson.
The FY26 Enacted Budget also introduces new initiatives: a Mass Violence Crisis Response Team, expanded anti-HIV medication access for sexual assault survivors, and increased reimbursement for scam victims. It includes measures to support survivors of gender-based violence by expanding public assistance access and requiring state vendors to implement gender-based violence workplace policies.
“Now more than ever, New Yorkers need to know services and resources in our state are available and open to anyone who needs them,” said Kelli Nicholas Owens, Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. “This record-setting investment allows us to continue supporting survivors and victims of all forms of violence.”
Federal legislators expressed support for the effort. Senator Charles Schumer said he was “proud to deliver hundreds of millions in federal funding,” while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called the investment “an important step in the right direction.”
Representative Jerry Nadler noted his role in passing the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act and added, “I’m proud that New York is stepping up with this critical investment.”
State Senator Julia Salazar, Chair of the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, said, “As a survivor of crime myself, I know what kind of physical, financial, and emotional toll the aftermath can be. I’ve spent much of my time in the State Senate fighting for crime survivors, and I’m proud New York is stepping up.”
Funding comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act Crime Victims Fund and New York’s General Fund. Grantees will receive $126.5 million annually from October 1 through September 30, 2028.
In addition to services, programs assist individuals in filing compensation claims for costs related to the crime, including medical care, counseling, and funeral expenses. New York remains the only state with no cap on medical or counseling costs.
All services offered through these programs are free, regardless of a victim’s access to other resources like health insurance. Residents can search for local victim assistance programs through the OVS Resource Connect tool.
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