Federal Funding for Domestic Violence and Sexual Asssult Services Saves Lives

Let's make some noise by sending a strong message to Congress that funding domestic violence and sexual assault services saves lives!
On Wednesday, Senate Democrats said they refuse to back the Republican- written stopgap measure passed by the House on Tuesday.. This significantly raises the likelihood of a government shutdown. The House Republicans’ measure would fund the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025. This six-month funding would add billions of dollars in spending for President Trump’s policy priorities focused on supporting increased deportations, veterans’ health care, and the military while unfortunately cutting an even greater amount of funding for non-defense discretionary spending programs. Specifically, it would increase defense spending by about $6 billion over the current budget, while non-defense funding would fall by a total of about $13 billion (it is not yet clear which specific accounts this would impact directly). While cuts to discretionary spending are concerning, the bill does include funding for the Victims of Crime Fund at $1.9 billion. This funding level reflects increased deposits into the Crime Victim Fund (CVF) and brings the cap to FY 2023 levels. The current CR will expire on Friday, March 14th at midnight. We want to make some noise on this issue by sending a strong message to Congress that funding domestic violence services saves lives.
We want to make some noise on this issue by sending a strong message to Congress that funding domestic violence services saves lives. Please take a moment to call your Congressional representatives AND click on the link to send an email as well. The point is not for our members of Congress to read each email or return each call - they won't. What we hope they will do is see the many emails and phone messages we have left and know how important this issue is to our communities. Follow this link to find phone numbers for your Congressional reps. Continue scrolling to send an email. Thank you!

Take action now

What's your district & how can legislators reach you?

Tell us about yourself

Your Message to the legislators

Dear (name and title inserted automatically),

I am a constituent in your district and am reaching out today to urge you to do everything in your congressional power to ensure that survivors of domestic violence and the programs that serve them have access to lifesaving federal funding.

Federal funding is essential to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and the programs that support them. These resources provide critical services that ensure safety, stability, and recovery for survivors and their children. Any change or reduction to this funding would jeopardize these vital services, leaving survivors without the life-saving support during their greatest time of need.

Domestic violence and sexual assault advocates are First Responders and deserve to work in a safe and stable environment without the constant worry of funding cuts or program closures. The longer these concerns persist, the less time they have to devote to supporting survivors and their children.
A funding pause, even for a short period, would have immediate and severe consequences for survivors and their families, putting critical services they rely on for safety, stability, and recovery at risk.  Our programs are already facing a 40% cut to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding we rely on to support survivors and their children. In response to this threat, we appreciate that the CR passed by the House Saturday includes funding for the Victims of Crime Fund at $1.9 billion. This funding level reflects increased deposits into the Crime Victim Fund (CVF) and brings the cap to FY 2023 levels. But it is not enough. Up to 70% of GA's domestic violence programs are federally funded not just through VOCA, but also through OVW, HHS and HUD.

Last year in GA, 164 people lost their lives to domestic violence, and in just one day, domestic violence programs provided 2,095 victims with direct services. 
 Sadly, more than 400 victims were unable to access the services they needed because local programs lacked sufficient funding and resources. Threats to federal funding will endanger access to essential services for even more survivors, including emergency shelter, legal representation, mental health care, and programs will be forced to immediately end lifesaving services, lay off staff, and even close their doors entirely to survivors and their children who are fleeing abuse and have nowhere else to go.  Beyond the direct impact on domestic violence and sexual assault programs, a loss in funding would also decimate thousands of other services that victims rely on as they recover from abuse, including health care, housing, education, and food assistance. Without access to these federally funded services, victims may be forced to stay in unsafe situations while struggling to regain their independence and rebuild their lives.

We are asking you  to do everything in your congressional power to protect programs’ access to federal funds and ensure survivors can access the services they urgently need.