New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent the enforcement of new restrictions on federal funds that support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The agreement follows a lawsuit led by New Jersey and other states, challenging conditions that would have limited access to services funded by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), particularly for those unable to immediately prove their immigration status.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “The Trump Administration’s attempt to cut off support for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence was cruel, reckless, and illegal – and now we’ve stopped it. I am proud to have fought alongside our partners across the country against the threats made by the Trump Administration that targeted those who had already been victims of horrific crimes. The agreement we have reached with the Department of Justice ensures that we will continue to be able to support the recovery of these residents and allow them to rebuild their lives.”
For many years, VAWA and VOCA programs have provided essential resources for survivors of violent crimes, including legal help with protective orders, custody issues, housing assistance, and civil legal aid. These grants also fund rape crisis centers offering urgent assistance to victims.
In October, a coalition including New Jersey filed suit after DOJ notified states they could not use VAWA or VOCA funding for certain services benefiting undocumented immigrants. This included guidance that affected both future awards and existing grants dating back several years. State attorneys general argued this requirement would place heavy burdens on service providers—who typically do not verify immigration status—and endanger survivors needing immediate help.
As part of the resolution announced today, DOJ agreed not to enforce these restrictions on any current VOCA or VAWA grant awards. In response, Attorney General Platkin and other participating states are dismissing their lawsuit but retain the right to refile if similar restrictions are imposed in the future.
Other states joining New Jersey in this stipulation include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island, Washington state as well as the District of Columbia.
