The Washington Post: After funding cuts, nonprofits for domestic-violence survivors scale back
A federal fund for organizations that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is nearly depleted.
By Ellie Silverman | September 17, 2024
Organizations that support survivors of domestic violence and child abuse across the country are paring back resources — or preparing to shut down shelters — due to a dramatic drop in federal funds.
For fiscal year 2024, Congress set a funding cap of $1.35 billion — about $600 million less than last year for the Crime Victims Fund, as its reserve dwindled. Advocates fear that without a funding fix they may stare down an even bigger hole next year.
A cut of this magnitude will have a “catastrophic” impact on survivors, said Teresa Huizar, CEO of the D.C.-based National Children’s Alliance, a network of nearly 1,000 advocacy centers.
The need for programs such as domestic violence hotlines, rape crisis centers and legal assistance, has only grown, advocates say.
The fund — which is administered by the Department of Justice — supports more than 6 million survivors of crime, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
In the D.C. region, this year’s cut has translated into a decrease of $200,000 — or 11 percent — for Doorways, Arlington’s sole provider of crisis services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Leaders say that means one less advocate to go to court with survivors; one less community advocate to help with safety planning and connecting survivors to resources; two less case managers for shelter and housing programs.
One mother interviewed by The Washington Post said Doorways’ services helped her come to terms with the abuse she endured and find the courage to leave.
“I couldn’t see any light,” said the woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she was concerned for her safety. “Doorways brought me hope.”
Doorways manages six apartments in northern Virginia to house survivors leaving abusive relationships, but may have to close those sites because of funding cuts, leaders said.