Washington, D.C.— A new national poll commissioned by Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ) and conducted by McLaughlin & Associates shows overwhelming bipartisan support for violence prevention and victim services programs and opposition to the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent public safety funding cuts. The data reveals that American voters, across party lines, ideologies, and demographics, believe these cuts will jeopardize victims of violence and undermine public safety.
Results of the poll show nearly eight in ten voters, 79%, agree the Trump Administration and the Department of Justice should reinstate vital federal grants for victim services, community violence intervention programs, trauma recovery and youth outreach. The survey also found that, with near unanimity at 90%, likely voters approve of federal funding for violence prevention programs and victim services across partisan lines.
“Voters see a direct connection between investing in victim services and violence intervention, and protecting public safety,” said Lenore Anderson, President of Alliance for Safety and Justice and author of the public safety book In Their Names. “This poll shows a clear demand for government leaders to reject public safety cuts and restore funding that supports law enforcement, aids victims and prevents violence.”
Key findings from the poll show an overwhelming majority of voters consider community violence intervention programs, youth programs, trauma recovery centers and emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence essential for public safety and that they should be protected from cuts.
Additional findings include:
- 84% agree that federal public safety funding should support police and community partnerships that are proven to work, such as community violence prevention and trauma recovery services.
- 86% agree that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to crime prevention and support a mix of law enforcement and neighborhood programs.
- 83% agree that police cannot stop cycles of violence on their own, and need the support of crisis intervention programs.
- 76% agree that strong neighborhood programs reduce crime and relieve pressure on police departments.
- 79% consider violence programs specifically aimed at youth to prevent delinquency, and gang activity; and promote schooling, education and job training to be essential.
Additionally, domestic violence victim services, including trauma recovery, emerged as top priorities for voters:
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- 73% of voters agree that cutting funding for victim services will result in more repeated violence and loss of counseling and safe housing.
- 79% believe emergency shelters and trauma recovery centers for victims of domestic violence should be protected from grant cuts.
- 69% of voters agree services for victims of violent crime that help them recover from economic loss, physical injury and trauma are an essential part of crime reduction and public safety programs.
“Victim services save lives, and when shelters shut down and trauma support disappears, survivors are left defenseless,” said Aswad Thomas, Vice President of ASJ, Managing Director of ASJ’s Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice program, and a gun violence survivor. “Voters understand that, and they expect action. We urge the administration and the Department of Justice to restore these lifesaving funds.”
Full poll results can be found here.
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About Alliance for Safety and Justice
The Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ) is a national organization that advances community safety through policy reform, investment in trauma recovery, and smarter approaches to public safety. ASJ works in states across the country to elevate the voices of crime survivors, reduce reliance on incarceration, and support proven violence prevention strategies.
About McLaughlin & Associates
McLaughlin & Associates is a national survey research and strategic services company whose personnel have played a key role in assisting successful organizations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America. We specialize in public opinion research, media planning and buying services, and strategic consulting services.
