Russell House, Rolla’s regional domestic and sexual violence shelter, is among the organizations across Missouri speaking out about proposed state funding cuts. During testimony in Jefferson City on March 3, Russell House Executive Director Katie Croker spoke to the House of Representatives Children and Families Committee about the need to restore the funding for victim service providers that was cut from the governor’s proposed FY27 budget.
Last year, Missouri allocated $25 million in state funds to supplement the federal Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA), which is funded by criminal fines and fees. The proposed FY27 budget does not allocate any state funds to supplement VOCA. In addition to eliminating supplemental VOCA funds, the proposed budget also cuts $1 million from the Domestic Violence Shelter Services (DVSS) program. These funds directly support services provided to domestic violence survivors and represent a 10.42% decrease in funding from FY26 levels. These proposed reductions come on the heels of previous cuts to funding, while operational costs continue to rise.
“I fear for the safety of survivors and their children,” Croker said during her testimony. “Many survivors already lack resources like transportation, which makes accessing services challenging. Additional funding cuts could force victim service providers to reduce services or even close their agencies. This would increase the barriers survivors have to overcome when leaving abusive relationships.”
Russell House’s service area includes Crawford, Dent, Maries, and Phelps counties, totaling 2,692 square miles, and the nonprofit does not charge for any of its services. Over the years, its advocates have been asked to do more with less, which has tangible consequences for survivors seeking help. For example, in 2025, Russell House terminated its transitional housing program and used the last of its funding available for domestic violence counseling sessions. As a result, Russell House provided 302 fewer sessions in 2025 than it did in 2024. Croker testified that funding cuts, coupled with rising costs, have already hamstrung the organization, while highlighting that demand continues to increase.
“This has resulted in 4,145 fewer services provided to survivors in 2025 when compared to 2024,” Croker testified. “However, the need for services remains. In 2025, Russell House advocates responded to emergency rooms 43 times, nine more times than in 2024, and the Russell House emergency shelter provided 738 additional bed nights in 2025 compared to 2024.”
Joining Russell House in raising awareness of the proposed cuts is the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
“Last year, nearly 55,000 adults and children sought support from Missouri’s domestic violence shelters and service agencies,” reported Jessica Hill, MOCADSV’s Chief Public Affairs Officer. “While funding has continued to decrease for many agencies, both the requests for services and the costs to provide those services have increased significantly. The anticipated funding gap of $15 million in the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program would represent a 50% cut to many agencies’ largest funding source. Domestic violence impacts families in every corner of the state. It’s urgent that the Missouri Legislature restore VOCA funding now.”
Croker said Russell House is encouraging supporters to reach out to members of the Missouri Legislature to tell them you support restoring funding for victim-service providers. Russell House continues to operate 24/7 for survivors of violence and their families. If you or a loved one needs help, please call Russell House at 800-998-8340 to speak to an advocate.
Author Andrew Sheeley is a former board member of Russell House.
