The ‘Skinny Budget’ released by the White House this month includes significant cuts to critical programs and services for domestic violence survivors and their children.
While it remains unclear what exactly will be cut, the budget mirrors the Heritage Foundation Blueprint for Change, which recommends the elimination of funding for VAWA (Violence against Women Act), and FVPSA (Family Violence Protection Services Act). Since the bi-partisan VAWA legislation was passed, the rate of intimate partner violence decreased 72% for female victims and 64% for male victims (between 1994 and 2011). Cuts to VAWA puts lives at risk.
Congress will act on this budget in the coming weeks. We must act to preserve services and protect survivors of abuse and their children in our community.
