Among District Attorney Larry Krasner’s New Year’s resolutions is winning more money for a host of organizations that provide support for crime victims.
Philly’s top prosecutor said he intends to advocate for more funding through the upcoming city and state budget processes, in addition to seeking philanthropic dollars.
“It has never been more important to fund these organizations properly,” Krasner said. “Many of them have not seen an increase in 10 years.”
The groups range from victim services based within geographic police divisions to organizations dedicated to aiding specific populations.
Krasner honored eight with certificates during a news conference Monday – Northwest Victim Services, Central Division Victim Services, Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, Northeast Victim Services, Women Against Abuse, Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia, Support Center for Child Advocates, and Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia. Concilio was also recognized, the DA’s Office said in a news release.
In general, the nonprofits help families understand the legal system; provide counseling and referrals; guide them through a process for victim compensation; offer financial assistance; and connect them to outside programming.
“What they do works,” Krasner said. “I got the receipts. I have the numbers.”
The organizations, he added, are part of the reason for a significant drop in Philadelphia’s gun violence in 2023, along with a decrease in most crime categories.
Krasner noted that, through Monday, police have recorded 262 homicides, which is 300 fewer than the year-end total for 2021. The number of shooting victims has also fallen 35%, compared to 2023.
Shootings and murders rose to historically high levels in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and have been declining over the past few years. The trend is nationwide; however, research from the Center for American Progress, a liberal institute, has found that Philadelphia’s rates have been dropping faster than most other major cities.
Total part one offenses, which include violent and property crime, fell nearly 10% in 2024, from the prior year, according to PPD data last updated Sunday, Dec. 29.
“The lesson coming out of the pandemic is prevention works,” Krasner said. “The lesson coming out of the pandemic is modern enforcement works.”
“If what we do is just, as elected officials, move onto the next shiny object and we don’t invest in what has worked, then this group of people,” he continued, gesturing toward representatives from the victim advocacy groups, “their organizations will be defunded, and that would be a disaster.”
