Violence Prevention Issue Explainer
5 Things To Know About Federal Cuts to Public Safety Programs
Over $800 million in proven violence prevention, victim services, and mental health programs have been eliminated. Communities are less safe as critical programs shut down and vulnerable populations lose essential support.
Violence prevention works—but funding has been cut: Community violence intervention programs proven to prevent shootings and youth violence are in danger. These evidence-based approaches stop violence before it happens, saving lives and preventing trauma. As of late 2025, the DOJ has posted only 36 grant solicitations out of 118 congressionally-mandated grants for the fiscal year, leaving communities without resources to continue proven strategies.
Mental health and substance abuse treatment slashed by $88 million: With 44% of people in jail having mental health issues and 58% of those in prison having substance use disorders—far exceeding general population rates—these cuts force more people into the criminal justice system instead of treatment. Community crisis response programs are shutting down, leaving law enforcement without alternatives and perpetuating costly incarceration cycles.
Crime victims losing decades of bipartisan support: The DOJ originally terminated over $50 million in victim services grants, forcing programs to cut emergency housing, counseling, legal assistance, and compensation for crime-related expenses. The most vulnerable—victims with disabilities, immigrants, and low-income communities—are hit hardest. Victims don't want sympathy after the fact; they need programs that prevent them from becoming victims in the first place.
Programs shut down while appeals languish: Organizations can't wait indefinitely—they've been forced to close programs and lay off staff while over 170 appeals remain under review after 8+ months. The National Organization for Victim Advocacy shut down its entire $860,000 program supporting domestic violence shelters. Even when appeals succeed, the damage is done: one organization laid off staff before their $1.7 million grant was restored.
Safety requires prevention, not just response: Communities know what makes them safer—engaging people most at risk of violence, supporting youth before they enter the criminal justice system, and providing real pathways to healing. These targeted approaches reduce shootings, interrupt retaliation cycles, and stop violence before it starts. Cutting over 350 grants undermines the very programs that have driven down crime rates across the country.
These cuts don't just eliminate programs—they make communities less safe and abandon victims when they need support most.