New York State will distribute nearly $379.5 million over the next three years to support programs for victims of crime, marking the largest investment of its kind in state history. Governor Kathy Hochul secured $100 million in state funding through the fiscal year 2026 budget to maintain these services amid declining federal aid.
The funding will benefit 230 nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and government agencies across all 10 regions of the state. These programs provide free services such as crisis counseling, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance, therapy, case management, and advocacy for victims and their families.
The State Office of Victim Services will oversee the grants, which range from $72,000 to $4.3 million, with an average of $506,000 per award. Among the regions, New York City will receive the largest share at over $47 million. Other allocations include $18.3 million for the Mid Hudson region, $14.9 million for the Finger Lakes, and $10.1 million for the Capital Region. A statewide total of $4.5 million will support programs with broad reach beyond specific localities.
Nearly half of the funding is directed toward services for survivors of domestic violence. Programs assisting underserved communities will receive 22 percent of the funds, while child abuse and sexual assault services will get 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively. The state also awarded more than $21 million to support those impacted by gun violence.
The Office of Victim Services received 261 applications for funding through a competitive process and selected 230 recipients. This includes 25 new organizations that had not previously received grants. The selection emphasized expanding access for individuals who face language barriers or experience marginalization due to age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
In addition to the core funding, the state budget includes initiatives aimed at strengthening victim support infrastructure. This includes creating a Mass Violence Crisis Response Team, increasing reimbursement limits for victims of financial scams, expanding benefits for those affected by homicide, and ensuring access to anti-HIV medication for survivors of sexual assault. New policies will also expand public assistance options for those experiencing gender-based violence and require state vendors to adopt workplace protections against such violence.
Financial compensation remains a key part of the state’s support system for victims. New York offers reimbursement for medical expenses, therapy, funeral costs, and lost income, with no cap on medical or counseling coverage. These benefits are available in addition to the free services offered by local programs.
Grants will be distributed annually from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, funded through a combination of federal Victims of Crime Act dollars and New York’s General Fund. The Office of Victim Services encourages residents to use the OVS Resource Connect tool to find local support programs tailored to their needs.
