Why rape and abuse victims are at risk of losing services

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from The Compass Center.

Simplified: South Dakota's only 24/7 rape crisis center is facing a significant funding shortfall, and without more support, The Compass Center could be forced to cut both staff and services. But there are several ways to help out before it's too late.

Why it matters

  • The Compass Center has historically gotten significant funding from the federal government through the Crime Victims Fund. But 2018 policy changes diverted money from the fund supporting victims, leaving a $700 million national shortfall, according to the Guardian.
  • This shortfall comes when the need for Compass Center services is greater than ever, Executive Director Michelle Trent said. The most recent data shows South Dakota ranked number three in the nation for sexual violence per capita – not including tribal data.
  • The Compass Center already has nearly 60 abuse victims on a waitlist for free counseling services, and with pending staff cuts that number could double virtually overnight, Trent said.
    • That said, she doesn't want to discourage victims of sexual violence from coming forward and seeking help.
"Still come," Trent said. "We will do everything we possibly can to support victims, and we still want you to show up and tell your story and to find support."

Tell me more about the Compass Center

For the last 50 years, The Compass Center has been providing crisis assistance for people fleeing domestic violence, as well as responding 24/7 to rape victims.

"Our mission is to navigate the journey to healing for all affected by sexual, relational and family trauma," Trent said. "We offer services that are free to victims at any stage in their journey."

The center also provides prevention programs to break the cycle of domestic violence. In an average year, the various programs and services offered assist over 1,000 people in the Sioux Falls metro area.

Tell me more about the funding shortfall

The federal Crime Victims Fund was established in the mid-80s as part of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). It's funded by fines and penalties from convictions in federal cases – not by tax dollars.

  • However, since 2017, that fund has shrunk significantly, meaning the amount disbursed to states has also gone down.
  • At The Compass Center, that's looked like a drop from $400,000 in annual VOCA dollars to only $68,000.

For the last couple of years, the State of South Dakota has allocated federal pandemic relief funds to help bridge the gap, but those one-time funds run out at the end of this year.

  • As it stands now, South Dakota contributes $225,000 each year to the 75 victims assistance agencies in the state – including The Compass Center. Trent said that's not enough to cover the costs of one agency, much less all of them.
"There’s a critical void in victim services," said Sydney Bartunek, chief development and communications officer for The Compass Center.

Without funding to cover the gaps, Trent said she's looking at cutting 20 percent of her staff. That'll mean even longer wait times for victims looking for counseling, healing, help navigating the court system and more.

"There are victims who are currently in an unsafe environment who won’t have anywhere to turn – which means they won't leave," Trent said.

How can I help?

Here are a few ways:

Give money. You can support the nonprofit directly. You can also offer support in one of two upcoming events this week:

  • SOS, Swifties. The Compass Center is currently raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift's upcoming Eras Tour concert in Indianapolis. A generous donor has also included a $500 travel stipend for the winner. Limited raffle tickets are available, and you can get yours here.
  • Cultivate Courage. The Compass Center is also hosting its "Cultivating Courage" networking and fundraising event on Thursday evening at The Atrium at Blue Haven. Secure your ticket here.

Talk to lawmakers. The Compass Center is also encouraging you to reach out to your state representatives and urge them to use state dollars to fund victim services.

"Legislators react when they know that the community cares about a problem," Trent said.

Need support?

If you are a victim of rape, assault, sexual violence or any type of relational trauma, you can call The Compass Center's 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-877-IN-CRISIS.