As the Executive Director of Roberta’s Place, a domestic violence and sexual assault service provider in Grants that serves our entire region, I see firsthand the urgent need for increased funding for sexual assault services in New Mexico. Survivors come to us in crisis, seeking support, healing, and justice. Yet, too often, they face a system unable to fully meet their needs due to chronic underfunding.
We are grateful to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee for recognizing the urgency of this issue and adding $1 million in the budget for sexual assault services. This is a crucial first step, but it is not enough. We urge the Senate Finance Committee to take action and add another $1 million to help close the gap and provide the resources survivors desperately need.
At Roberta’s Place and advocacy organizations across the state, we are operating under immense pressure, continually forced to do more with fewer resources. Without legislative funding, survivors—particularly in rural and tribal areas—will continue to face barriers to accessing services. This is a pivotal moment to act.
The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline, a lifeline connecting survivors to resources statewide. The helpline, launched in 2024, allows survivors to call, text, or chat in multiple languages. Without sustained funding, this groundbreaking service is at risk of disappearing before it reaches its full potential.
While we applaud the LFC’s focus on crime prevention and behavioral health, these efforts must include recurring funding for sexual assault services. A comprehensive approach to public safety cannot ignore the crisis of sexual violence.
I urge the Senate Finance Committee to act boldly and prioritize adding $1 million in funding in the upcoming budget negotiations. Survivors deserve action. Let’s make the state a leader in addressing sexual violence and ensure every New Mexican has the chance to heal and thrive.