Advocates are asking the state for $20 million to fill in the gaps left by cuts to federal funds set aside for people who have been victims of crimes. This year, $11 million in federal money was slashed from Massachusetts funding that’s funneled in through the Victims of a Crime Act, also known as VOCA.

The cuts will impact Massachusetts organizations who support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Isa Woldeguiorguis, the executive director of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, said funding issues are forcing organizations like hers to make impossible decisions.

“Do you let go of highly trained, highly skilled, passionate, qualified staff who are out there in communities providing services? Do you cut back on the resources like first and last month’s rent that we provide to survivors? Talk about a ‘Sophie’s Choice,’” said Woldeguiorguis.

Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act in 1984 to help survivors of crimes with medical costs, mental health counseling and lost wages.

Funding is financed through federal fines and fees from mostly white-collar prosecutions. It is not funded through taxpayer money.

Liam Lowney has led the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance for more than a decade. He said that, since a change to the Justice Department’s practices several years back where they more often settle than prosecute cases, those fees — and, therefore, the funds for state programs — have dried up.

“We’re just trying to stop the bleeding, and support our programs, on the amazing, incredible work that they’re doing, day in and day out,” Lowney said.

The state Legislature has provided $20 million in funding for the prior two fiscal years, and advocates are seeking the same amount again this year. If Massachusetts organizations hadn’t received $20 million in VOCA Bridge funding in 2023, Lowney said 33,000 people would not have received help.

While funding has decreased over the years, advocates say the need for these services has increased as the COVID-19 pandemic, housing costs and the mental health crisis has escalated the need among the most vulnerable.

Massachusetts will received just over $16 million in 2024 compared to almost $28 million in 2023.

Lisa Goldblatt Grace, the co-founder and co-executive director of My Life My Choice, a nonprofit organization fighting to end human trafficking said the funding is important to organizations like hers because it allows them to serve people with the flexible service they deserve without undue hurdles and constraints.

The $20 million that advocates are requesting is part of a supplemental budget filed by Gov. Maura Healey this past March.