KK Proposal is a lifeline for victim services and community safety

By Jillian Turanovic

As Colorado voters consider Proposition KK, it is critical to understand the profound impact this measure could have on the safety and well-being of our community. As a professor of sociology and prevention science with a Ph.D. I have devoted the last 15 years to researching violence prevention and victimization in the field of criminology and criminal justice. My work has led me to a clear conclusion: Investing in victim services is not only a moral obligation, but also a powerful strategy for preventing future crime and creating safer communities.

Proposal KK proposes a 6.5% excise tax on all sales of ammunition, firearms and gun parts to gun dealers, which is estimated to raise approximately $39 million annually. The largest portion of this funding (an estimated $30 million annually) will be allocated to grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to assist victims of crime. This support, which covers a wide range of services from counseling and legal advocacy to emergency financial assistance, is critical.

The timing of this proposal could not be more urgent. Organizations serving crime victims in Colorado face a serious funding crisis. These vital services are supported primarily by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which has declined significantly in recent years. Colorado providers are bracing for a staggering 40% to 50% drop in support next year. Without intervention, many of these essential services could be forced to scale back or close entirely, leaving victims without the support they desperately need.

The importance of these services in reducing violence and increasing community safety cannot be ignored. One of the most robust findings in criminology is the link between past violent victimization and future violent crime. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “cycle of violence,” is a cornerstone of our understanding of criminal behavior. People who have been exposed to trauma, violence, or abuse have a significantly higher risk of resorting to violent behavior.

However, this cycle is not inevitable. Research has consistently shown that with the right interventions, we can disrupt this pattern and prevent individuals from becoming trapped in cycles of trauma and violence. The most effective way to break this cycle is to provide victims with timely support and services that will help them heal from their trauma in constructive ways. This is where victim services play an important role in preventing violence.

Victim-serving organizations serve as a lifeline for traumatized individuals. It provides a safe space for victims to connect with others who understand their experience, offers counseling and therapy to help them cope with their victimization, and connects them with additional resources. These organizations do more than deal with the immediate aftermath of crime; They play a vital role in long-term crime prevention by helping victims process their experiences in ways that reduce the risk of future violence towards both others and themselves. By providing support and coping strategies, these services can be effective in preventing not only future violent behavior but also self-harm and suicide.

Proposal KK also allocates funding to other critical areas: $5 million for mental health support for veterans who have exhausted their federal benefits, $3 million for support services for youth in mental health crises, and $1 million for improving school safety in public schools. These initiatives are in line with a holistic approach to the safety and well-being of society.

It is important to note that the TOC Proposal is not about restricting Second Amendment rights. The tax would be levied on sellers, not individual gun owners, and sales to law enforcement, active-duty military and private sales between individuals would be exempt. The focus is on creating a sustainable source of funding for vital community services.

When considering this recommendation, it is crucial to remember that the effects of victimization extend far beyond the individual. Families, friends, and entire communities can be affected by a single act of violence. We address a wide range of social issues that impact the well-being of society by providing comprehensive support to victims and survivors of violence.

Proposal KK represents a critical opportunity to ensure continuity and expansion of essential victim services in Colorado. This is not just a compassionate response to those who are suffering; It’s a smart, forward-thinking approach to public safety. By breaking the cycle of violence, we can create a safer, more resilient Colorado for everyone. As a society, we have a responsibility to support those who have been victimized and take proactive steps to prevent future violence. The KK Proposal represents an important step in fulfilling this responsibility and building the kind of society we would all want to live in; a society where safety, recovery and prevention go hand in hand.

The ability of victim services to continue their vital work is at stake, and with it the safety and well-being of countless Coloradans. I encourage Coloradans to vote “yes” on Proposition KK. You can find more information about measurement at: www.yesonpropkk.com.

Jillian Turanovic, Ph.D.He is an associate professor of sociology at CU Boulder and a researcher in prevention science. His research focuses on crime, violence and victimization. The perspectives shared here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of CU Boulder.