Dear Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg, Acting OVC Director Katherine Darke Schmitt, and National and National Coordinator Alessandra Serano,
Since October 1, 2025, the Department of Justice has withheld funding for over 100 victim service providers serving at least 5,000 trafficking survivors across the US. Providers applied over six months ago and were told awards would be made by July 1, 2026. Yet the grants remain unawarded, putting survivors at greater risk of re-exploitation.
Providers have been forced to close programs or restrict new clients, leaving survivors without critical legal assistance, counseling, case management, housing, food and healthcare. These services help survivors escape trafficking and rebuild their lives.
We urge the DOJ to:
-Immediately award FY25 grants to qualified, experienced organizations with a proven record of effective, survivor-centered anti-trafficking services
-Make FY26 award decisions by the posted January 1, 2027 start date
Every day these funds are delayed, survivors lose access to lifesaving support.
Since October 1, 2025, the Department of Justice has withheld funding for over 100 victim service providers serving at least 5,000 trafficking survivors across the US. Providers applied over six months ago and were told awards would be made by July 1, 2026. Yet the grants remain unawarded, putting survivors at greater risk of re-exploitation.
Providers have been forced to close programs or restrict new clients, leaving survivors without critical legal assistance, counseling, case management, housing, food and healthcare. These services help survivors escape trafficking and rebuild their lives.
We urge the DOJ to:
-Immediately award FY25 grants to qualified, experienced organizations with a proven record of effective, survivor-centered anti-trafficking services
-Make FY26 award decisions by the posted January 1, 2027 start date
Every day these funds are delayed, survivors lose access to lifesaving support.