If you have experienced sexual violence and would like to speak with someone about it, you can call the 24-hour Statewide Hotline at 1-800-601-7200 or visit our Find Help page to contact your local sexual violence program. NJCASA’s sexual violence programs are in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Nearly 3 million survivors of sexual violence in New Jersey are facing an urgent crisis. Due to drastic cuts in federal funding, rape crisis centers across the state will struggle to meet the overwhelming demand for care.
In 2025, a 43% reduction in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding is causing significant underfunding for sexual violence services, leaving many survivors without the timely support they need.
In 2024 alone, 60% of New Jersey’s county-based rape crisis centers (12 out of 21) had waitlists, some stretching for much of the year. This problem will only grow worse due to federal funding challenges.
Additional federal funding cuts could lead to a loss of nearly $11 million in sexual violence services across New Jersey, exacerbating this crisis and putting services for survivors and their families in jeopardy.
To address this growing crisis, we must act now. The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) is calling for a state funding increase of $10,901,937 to:
· Offset the loss of VOCA funding and other looming federal cuts
· Sustain services for historically underserved communities
· Reduce waitlists and eliminate barriers to care
· Strengthen outreach and prevention efforts statewide
This funding is crucial to ensure that survivors can access the support they need, when they need it, and to prevent further strain on our programs.
Tell them to support the $10.9M funding increase for sexual violence services. Learn more about how to talk to legislators about this issue.
Learn more about how to talk to legislators about this issue.
Sign up for updates from NJCASA and stay connected to advocacy efforts. Join our mailing list and follow us on social media.
Share this message with friends, family, and your community to build awareness of the funding crisis and the importance of sexual violence service providers in every county. And join us for upcoming events.
Your contribution goes toward supporting survivors, enhancing sexual violence service provision, and advancing our shared vision of a world free from sexual violence. Donate today!
Your voice is powerful, and your call to your legislator or Governor Murphy’s Office can make a difference. Here’s how you can effectively communicate why funding for sexual violence services is essential.
Step 1: Introduce Yourself
· “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from [City/Town] as a concerned [resident/community member].”
Step 2: State the Purpose of Your Call
· “I am calling to urge [Legislator’s Name/Governor Murphy] to support NJCASA’s request for a $10,901,937 funding increase for sexual violence services in the FY26 budget.”
Step 3: Explain Why This Funding is Critical
· “Federal VOCA funding is being cut by 43% in 2025, leaving many rape crisis centers underfunded. Survivors should not have to wait for critical services.”
· “There are an estimated 2.7 million survivors of sexual violence in New Jersey.”
· “In 2024, 12 out of 21 county-based rape crisis centers (60%) had waitlists, some for much of the year.”
· “Additionally, other federal funding cuts could result in a total loss of nearly $11 million for sexual violence services across the state, impacting survivors and their families.”
· “Funding is urgently needed to keep services open and address this crisis.”
Step 4: Make a Clear Request
· “Can I count on [Legislator’s Name/Governor Murphy] to prioritize this funding increase in the budget?”
Step 5: Thank Them
· “Thank you for your time and commitment to survivors in New Jersey.”
and concise. Legislators are busy, but they want to hear from constituents.
about the action you’re requesting and the impact it will have.
by email or on social media to reinforce your message and stay engaged.
Your call can make a real difference in securing the funding necessary to ensure that survivors get the care and support they need. Because when New Jersey stands
together, no one faces sexual violence alone.
This website is supported by a grant from the Department of Children and Families. The information and findings shared on this website are those of NJCASA and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Children and Families.
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