Non-legal nonprofit work is important for victims of crime and requires investment from the Tennessee government.

I was a criminal prosecutor for seven years, and during that time I met hundreds of crime victims, and I was not paralyzed by the experience. It changes you when you stand with someone who has seen fear in the eyes of victims of domestic violence or who has lost personal safety after a family break-in.

For me, each encounter reinforced my resolve to find justice for them. That meant two things. I will do whatever I can to not only hold those who hurt it accountable, but to help the victims return their lives.

Along with my law enforcement colleagues, I was often the first person to talk to victims of violent crimes at length. In addition to gathering facts that may be useful in court, I have tried my best to explain the criminal justice process. What victims should expect, what they may be asked to do, and how long will it take to settle their lawsuits? But supporting the victims is much more than that.

A lot of the real work to support victims happens Outside Legal Systems – Through a network of quietly and steadily working with survivors to work quietly and steadily together to heal and move forward here in Tennessee and across the country. Without them, resources like temporary housing for victims of domestic violence, crisis hotlines, and counseling services for victims are simply not available. Prosecutors are also less likely to work together to testify whether the victim is overwhelmed by challenges that are not related to the legal system.

Agency serving through Tennessee victims warns that if Gov. Bill Lee fails to act, the cut will be “devastating”

Perhaps recognizing the value of victim service providers, Gov. Bill Lee’s latest supplemental budget includes one-off requests of $20 million over two years for these organizations. This is a positive step, but far less than the $25 million funded repeatedly by victim rights agencies and their allies Identified as essential. Nationally, federal funding for victim-led institutions such as nonprofits and shelters is the best. It will decrease soon. These cuts have been particularly devastating in Tennessee, refusing to provide consistent state-level funding for victim services in recent years.

To be clear, these types of services are not luxury for those who run away from violence. What we sometimes call “victim services” includes professionals who provide important support to the victim and their children. Further cuts to federal resources will force them to shut down – and in parts of Tennessee, service providers already closure. Fund cuts can have a very devastating impact on crime victims Rural Community Those who already lack access to many types of support.

The Tennessee Department of Corrections spent on top to see $25 million requests from victim service providers 900 million dollars About the imprisonment in 2023. Rather than focusing disproportionately on the incarceration of people who commit crimes, our justice system should also invest in service to victims and their families. And resources are available – Lee’s office last year I insisted The state’s “rain-day funds” reserves exceeded a record $2 billion.

Establishing substantial and regular funds is absolutely essential to protecting the safety, dignity and well-being of those affected by crime. By making long-term investments in these community-based organizations, our criminal justice system can better serve those who are harming their crimes and ensure that victims do not suffer on their own.