LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget proposal includes new funding to expand the Michigan State Police’s Victim Services Program, increasing access to support for crime victims statewide.
The proposed budget allocates an additional $1.3 million in general fund support to the Victim Services Program, which would add eight new victim advocate positions. This would bring the program to 22 advocates serving communities across Michigan.
Victim services advocates assist individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and other crimes. Advocates help victims navigate the criminal justice process, provide updates on court proceedings, facilitate meetings with law enforcement and prosecutors, and offer assistance with victim impact statements and recovery resources.
Since launching as a pilot program in 2020, Michigan’s Victim Services Program has supported more than 1,200 crime victims annually. Advocates typically handle between 20 and 35 active cases at a time.
The FY26 Executive Budget also proposes broader public safety investments to support more than 200,000 crime victims statewide through continued access to victim services and community partnerships.
More information about the Victim Services Program is available on the service’s website.