Trump Administration Terminates Grants for Victims, Violence Prevention Programs

The Trump administration has abruptly cut federal funding to hundreds of crime victim support and violence prevention programs nationwide, including those in Baltimore and Ohio. The Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs notified affected nonprofits that their grants were being terminated immediately due to a shift in agency priorities, impacting essential services such as hotlines, therapy for gun violence victims, and support for survivors of sexual assault. Organizations warn the decision could lead to the closure of critical lifelines like the Victim Connect Resource Center and halt violence intervention efforts, with program leaders describing the move as devastating for vulnerable communities. Recipients were given a 30-day window to appeal, but many express concern that the loss of funding will leave victims without support and jeopardize ongoing prevention work. The administration stated it would refocus funding more directly on law enforcement operations, assuring that services for victims would not be impacted if their necessity is proven in appeals. Local agencies and advocates are calling for the reinstatement of these programs, emphasizing their proven effectiveness in preventing violence and aiding recovery for thousands of survivors.