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An alliance of 74 religious, legal, and support groups across the nation has sounded warnings regarding the withholding of $88 million in federal funding designated for survivors of human trafficking.

Support Systems Under Threat

According to a collective communication, the DOJ has halted funding for more than 100 service providers that assist individuals leave abusive situations and secure essential services like emergency shelter, therapy, and personalized care.

"Letting such resources to disappear would facilitate modern slavery and put survivors’ lives at risk," the document warns. "Many regions will be without their primary support network, leaving survivors with nowhere to turn for shelter."

Appeal for Intervention

The alliance is pressuring legislators to compel the administration to release the financial support to safeguard countless victims nationwide.

This request comes after reports that the federal government has scaled down initiatives to address modern slavery, although representatives deny any retreat on victim support actions.

Effects on Local Areas

• Several assistance providers saw their funding end starting the last day of September.
• Lacking financial support, survivors may lose access to crucial assistance such as temporary accommodation, therapy, and advocacy.
• Traffickers could exploit freely, increasing risks for vulnerable populations.

Official Statement

Regarding inquiries over the delayed allocation, the department indicated that public dollars would be distributed in due course, but emphasized that past recipients might not obtain money in the coming years.

Subsequent funding will be decided based on the current administration's objectives, the agency explained.

Historical Support

The communication additionally points out that the legislative branch has repeatedly approved to continue such initiatives over the previous decades, reinforcing the vital necessity of fully funding essential services to protect survivors and prevent re-exploitation.