New York – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally agreed to lift restrictions on critical Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) services, following a lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Attorney General James’ action followed a coalition of 20 attorneys general who sued the DOJ over new conditions that threatened to cut off legal services for survivors unable to prove immediate immigration status. This resolution now ensures that survivors can continue to receive crucial supports without such restrictions.
“Attacking survivors is despicable, and I am relieved that the federal government has backed down from this dangerous policy,” said Attorney General James. “People seeking protection from violence deserve our support, not sabotage.”
The VAWA and VOCA programs have long supported survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crimes, funding services like legal representation for protective orders, custody and visitation matters, and rape crisis centers.
In October, Attorney General James and the coalition filed a lawsuit after the DOJ informed states that they could no longer use VAWA or VOCA funds to provide legal services to undocumented immigrants. The restriction faced severe criticism from service providers who warned it would be dangerous and potentially impossible for survivors to produce proof of status.
This agreement, as a result of Attorney General James’ lawsuit, protects over one million survivors in New York State who relied on VAWA- and VOCA-funded services last year.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Sex Crimes|Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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