Programs for Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Survivors Struggle Under Sequestration

May 8, 2013 — Tens of thousands of domestic violence survivors could lose access to programs, shelters and other support services because of a $20 million cut in federal funding over the next year mandated under sequestration, Mother Jones reports.

Although lawmakers quickly passed legislation to mitigate the effects of sequestration on tuition aid for service members and staffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, they "have shown little interest" in addressing cuts to programs that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, according to Mother Jones. The cuts took effect "[a]lmost immediately" after lawmakers passed a much-delayed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (PL 113-4), Mother Jones notes.

Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-Iowa) office estimates that the cuts under sequestration will mean 70,120 fewer domestic violence survivors have access to recovery programs and shelters, while 35,900 fewer individuals will be able to obtain non-shelter services, such as restraining orders and sexual assault treatment.

Several Programs Already Affected by Cuts

A number of domestic violence shelters and related programs across the U.S. already are scaling back services or considering closing because of the cuts, according to Mother Jones. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has announced plans to postpone the hiring of 829 military sexual assault response coordinators.

Kim Gandy, president and CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, said, "We're talking about really vital services to people who are already in a terrible situation and really in need of emergency services -- and there aren't alternatives" (Murphy, Mother Jones, 5/6).