Over $2M to Go to District Attorneys’ Offices
By CaraLynn Caulfield
Long Island will receive more than $9.8 million in state and federal funding to support victim assistance programs, part of a record-breaking $379.5 million investment announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to strengthen services for survivors of crime across New York.
The funding—administered by the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS)—is the largest allocation in the agency’s history and will support 230 nonprofits, hospitals, and government agencies over three years. Governor Hochul secured $100 million in state funds in the FY2026 budget to offset declines in federal aid and ensure victims have continued access to critical, no-cost services.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” Governor Hochul said. “While the Trump Administration slashes funding for community violence intervention and prevention programs and other crucial services, New York is delivering record-level funding to provide the vital support crime victims and their families need and rightfully deserve to recover, heal and thrive.”
Long Island will receive $9,848,136 in total. That includes $1,373,317 for the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and $1,053,354 for the Suffolk County DA’s Office.
Tania Lopez, Director of Communications for Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, said the grant will expand the office’s victim services division:
“Our victim advocates are vital to the operations of the district attorney’s office because they give victims — who are too often forgotten — a voice. This funding will allow us to increase our staff of dedicated advocates and better serve the people of Suffolk County.”
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said the funding will help her office continue providing critical support to crime victims navigating the legal system.
“Victims and survivors of crime should never feel alone when navigating the often difficult and painful experience of assisting in the prosecution of a criminal case. My office’s crime victim advocates, legal interpreters, and other staff provide direct services to crime victims, comforting and supporting them throughout their involvement in a prosecution and connecting them with critical services in their communities to help them move forward,” Donnelly said. “The funds provided to my office from the New York State Office of Victim Services aid us in doing this essential work and helping survivors in Nassau County begin the process of healing.”
In addition to the Nassau and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices, the following Long Island-based organizations will receive funding through this investment:
- Brighter Tomorrows – $603,705
- Central American Refugee Center – $192,791
- Circulo De La Hispanidad – $486,200
- Nassau County Crime Victim Advocate Program – $756,117
- Crime Victims Center (Nassau County) – $665,234
- Crime Victims Center (Suffolk County) – $690,983
- EAC Inc. – $374,646
- ECLI–VIBES – $1,217,801
- Family and Children’s Association – $138,137
- The Retreat Inc. – $2,050,140
- SEPA Mujer – $245,713
OVS Director Bea Hanson called the funding a lifeline for programs that serve survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, gun violence, and other crimes.
“This record-level funding will help ensure continued support for victims and survivors while improving access to services, especially in those communities most impacted by violence,” Hanson said. “We thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that New York State remains a national leader in victim services.”
Statewide, nearly 49% of the funding is allocated to domestic violence services, 22% to underserved communities, 15% to child abuse programs, and 14% to sexual assault support. More than $21 million has been specifically set aside for programs serving communities disproportionately affected by gun violence.
Kelli Owens, Executive Director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, said the investment ensures that services are both accessible and trauma-informed:
“This record-setting investment allows us to continue supporting survivors and victims of all forms of violence in a way that ensures services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.”
Funding will be distributed annually from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, and comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund and New York’s General Fund. OVS used a competitive grant process to evaluate 261 applications, ultimately selecting 230 recipients—including 25 new grantees.
Programs funded through OVS also help victims file for compensation covering medical bills, counseling, lost wages, funeral costs, and more. New York remains the only state with no cap on medical or mental health expenses related to a crime.