Federal crime victims fund balance declines, endangering aid programs for sexual assault and crime victims.

States and local organizations aiding victims of sexual assault and other crimes are alarmed by a plummeting federal crime victims fund balance. The multi-year decline in funds may lead to programs setting up wait lists or turning victims away. The problem stems from a cap on withdrawals from the fund, which has depleted by billions in the past six years. The fund does not receive taxpayer dollars.