SAFE Alliance in Austin will cease providing sexual assault victim services on June 8th due to a $1.5 million funding gap. This critical shortfall will impact forensic exams, crisis intervention, and potentially increase strain on police and hospitals.

Funding Crisis and Service Termination

The impending shutdown was revealed by CEO Pierre Baristain to the Austin Public Safety Commission. SAFE Alliance is facing a $1.5 million shortfall, resulting from a loss of $5.6 million in funding from federal, state, local, and philanthropic sources.

Impact on Forensic Exams and Prosecutions

SAFE Alliance currently handles approximately 90% of all forensic exams in the area. The loss of these services could severely hinder evidence collection and compromise prosecutions. Baristain warned that the District Attorney’s office may lack sufficient evidence for convictions without access to these exams.

Eloise House Closure

The shutdown will also lead to the closure of Eloise House, a vital resource providing free sexual assault support, advocacy, and crisis intervention. This closure will likely increase demand on Austin police and local hospitals.

City and Police Department Response

Commander Deanna Lichter of the Austin Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit confirmed the department is preparing for potential consequences and has held internal meetings to discuss next steps. Mayor Kirk Watson has stated he is facilitating discussions between SAFE Alliance and local hospitals.

Further Program Risks

Baristain cautioned that additional SAFE Alliance programs, including Planet SAFE, a homicide prevention program, could be at risk later this year if further funding cuts occur. The organization issued warnings to the city as early as February regarding the possibility of service termination.

Increased Sex Crime Reports

The timing of this crisis is particularly concerning, as Austin police have reported an increase in sex crime calls for service and reported cases of sex crimes this quarter compared to the fourth quarter of last year. This surge underscores the importance of maintaining robust support systems for survivors.