What Massachusetts Crime Victims Could Lose Without New Funding

Victims of crime in Massachusetts may soon face major service cuts unless state senators approve a last-minute funding boost. A proposed $13. 8 million amendment aims to prevent a 35% loss in support for programs helping survivors of domestic violence, child trafficking, and sexual assault. Without this funding, over 100 organizations could struggle to keep their doors open. In 2025, these programs helped more than 70, 000 people with over 400, 000 free services—nearly half of which relied on state money that isn’t guaranteed next year. The shrinking federal fund that supports these services has been drying up for years. Fines from federal cases used to fill this pot, but recent legal settlements no longer require direct payments. Meanwhile, more children in Massachusetts are facing exploitation online. In 2025 alone, police reports about child trafficking and abuse jumped 77% compared to the year before. Programs designed to fight this crisis—like specialized child advocacy centers—are now at risk of losing over a million dollars in state funding.Leaders in these programs warn that without money, they’ll have to make impossible choices. Some may cut hotlines or support staff before letting go of frontline workers who interact directly with victims. At Casa Myrna, a key domestic violence nonprofit, nearly $600, 000 in lost funding could lead to layoffs. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center faces a $500, 000 shortfall, which could close clinics and slow down outreach to survivors. Even with the proposed amendment, lawmakers are juggling a tight budget. House leaders call the upcoming fiscal year one of the toughest in decades due to slow revenue growth and high costs. The state budget includes over 1, 000 amendments, making decisions even harder. Supporters argue that cutting these services now will only cost more later, in both human and financial terms. Child advocacy centers play a unique role by bringing together therapists, police, and social workers in one place. Their goal is preventing children from reliving trauma by telling their story just once. But if funding vanishes, programs like the one fighting child trafficking could disappear entirely. Massachusetts has been a model for other states—but without money, that progress could vanish too.