2018 – State victim‑services funding begins a steep decline, falling more than 50 % by 2026, while federal VOCA dollars sit at $74.7 million, establishing the fiscal baseline that later strains programs across Washington [2].

2020‑2021 – The COVID‑19 pandemic triggers a surge in domestic‑violence murders in King County as lockdowns and economic stress increase risk to intimate partners and families [1].

2022‑2023 – Domestic‑violence homicides dip after the pandemic’s acute phase, providing a brief respite before a new upward trend emerges [1].

2024 – VOCA funding collapses 76 % to $17.86 million, prompting layoffs, higher caseloads, and shelter turn‑aways for thousands of survivors; rural programs feel the sharpest impact [2].

2025 – Congress passes a VOCA stabilization bill and the VOCA Fix, delivering temporary federal revenue that extends relief through 2029, though many Washington groups remain cautious about long‑term sustainability [2].

Jan 2026 – Governor Ferguson’s budget proposes $12 million for crime‑victim services, far below the $21.38 million advocates say is needed to preserve current programs; legislators consider bills to create a dedicated account that would cost $155 million to stabilize funding through 2031 [2].

Feb 3, 2026 – King County sees a rebound in domestic‑violence murders, highlighted by a triple homicide in Issaquah, a double homicide in Federal Way, and a double killing on Mercer Island, underscoring a renewed threat to families [1].

Feb 3, 2026 – King County Prosecutor David Martin notes, “The office has the same number of attorneys as in the late 1990s,” despite rising case loads, and urges legislators to restore victim‑services financing and pass protective bills [1].

Feb 3, 2026 – Advocates, including prosecutors and victim‑services leaders, press state lawmakers to enact funding stabilization and protective legislation, warning that without action more cases will fall through an already strained legal system [1].