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President Bush’s 2008 budget proposal provides only 54% of
authorized funding levels for domestic violence, sexual assault,
stalking and dating violence programs, according to an alert
from Stop Family Violence. In addition, a provision in the
budget would shift funding control of certain anti-violence
programs from the legislative to the executive branch, according
to Truth Out. Many advocates are concerned because it would give
the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women
rather than Congress the discretion over how to spend federal
dollars earmarked to combat domestic violence and sexual
assault.
In a comprehensive
briefing book produced by a coalition of
anti-violence advocates, the group states,
“The President’s FY ‘08 Budget Request proposes consolidating
all these [VAWA] programs into one competitive block grant open
to all eligible grantees, from state governments to rural
shelters. This ignores the Congressional intent behind each
program and creates inefficiencies as potential partners at the
state and local level are pitted against each other in
competition for these already stretched funds. Implementing this
block grant would create a massive administrative burden on the
Office on Violence Against Women and generate devastating chaos
in the field as states and programs uncertain of their funding
would be forced to cut programs and services. We urge Congress
to reject this proposal and instead fully fund VAWA to
strengthen the continuum of prevention and intervention programs
that respond to victims’ needs and help individuals and families
live healthy lives.”
Anti-violence advocates are invited to participate in this
year’s Legislative Action Days in Washington DC April 17-18,
2007. Participants will meet with Members of Congress and their
staffs to discuss the importance of funding for domestic
violence and sexual assault programs in local communities, urge
full funding of VAWA and convey opinions on other issues of
importance to the field. The event is co-sponsored by the
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National
Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Find out more about
Legislative Action Days.
Sources:
“Bush’s Budget Alarms Safety Advocates,” Truth Out, February 11,
2007.
“President Shortchanges Victims of Violence,” Stop Family
Violence, February 28, 2007.
“Campaign for Funding to End Domestic and Sexual Violence FY
2008, Appropriations Briefing Book,” February 20, 2007. |
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