FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2022

Press Contacts:

Megan Tanahashi: megan@cpedv.org | (916) 800-4856
Jessica Merrill: Jessica@cpedv.org | (707) 330-6838

California Governor and Legislature Fail to Fund Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Programs and Critical Services Needed to End Cycles of Violence

Survivors, Advocates & Prevention Practitioners Call for the Legislature to Ensure Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence 

SACRAMENTO —The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, VALOR, the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, and the Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Network are deeply disappointed that the final budget from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature has failed to not only include funding for a comprehensive response to sexual and domestic violence, but omits continued funding for existing prevention programs. Prevention matters. Prevention works. Prevention needs investment.

Incidents of violence have dominated news headlines in recent weeks and we have heard California leaders making calls for actions that can prevent future violence. We know that addressing domestic and sexual violence also addresses the root causes of so many other forms of violence, including the deep links between domestic violence, rigid gender norms, racism, and mass shootings. To see those proclamations from our state’s leaders not being met with investments in programs proven to prevent violence is outright irresponsible and ignores the overwhelming demand for prevention, innovative interventions, and holistic support. Without ongoing funding to galvanize communities to offer prevention programming, cycles of violence will persist throughout the state.

Now, more than ever, is the time for action and investment to end cycles of violence. With an overall budget of $300 billion dollars, there were ample resources available for this modest proposal of $15 million in ongoing funding for prevention programs as well as an additional $25.5 million for under-resourced and over-represented communities to support culturally specific responses, innovations, and holistic approaches to end violence for future generations. The fact that it was not included is a clear missed opportunity for the state.

Domestic and sexual violence are not inevitable and can be prevented with long-term initiatives that educate and equip Californians to change unacceptable social norms and systems that perpetuate violence. This cannot happen without action by the Governor Legislative leaders to fund these programs in alignment with their purported values. Prevention should be an investment.

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About VALOR: 

ValorUS (VALOR) is a national organization committed to advancing equity and ending sexual violence, and advocates on behalf of California’s safety net for survivors. Since 1980 VALOR is California’s recognized sexual assault coalition. For more information, visit valor.us.

About the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence:

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition, representing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations and allied individuals across the state. Working at the local, state, and national levels for nearly 40 years, the Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 200 pieces of legislation on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children. The Partnership believes that by collectively working with our diverse membership, advocates, and state policy makers, we can deepen the process of healing and restoration by identifying and addressing the underlying and contributing factors. It is through our shared expertise in creating system-wide change by way of our public policy, prevention, communications, and capacity building programs that we are able to support and invest in survivors and families and endeavor to end domestic violence. Every day we inspire, inform and connect all those concerned with this issue, because we believe that together, we’re stronger. With offices in Sacramento, the Partnership’s member programs span the entire state. For more information, visit cpedv.org.

About the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color:

The Alliance for Boys and Men of Color is a national network of hundreds of community and advocacy organizations who come together to advance race and gender justice by transforming policies that are failing boys and men of color and their families and building communities full of opportunity.

About the Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Network:

The Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Network (CRDVN) is a coalition of nearly 20 organizations across California that supports Black, Indigenous, immigrant, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, LGBTQ+ and other culturally marginalized survivors helping them meet their needs for safety, health, and well-being. CRDVN is working to transform the DV system of care so that it works for all communities. Violence prevention and creating economic pathways for DV survivors are essential approaches for CRDVN. The CDC has found that even a small increase in family income is linked to a decrease in family violence so CRDVN holds economic security as a universal basic need and fundamental to supporting survivors, in all cultural contexts. The network advocates for more responsive job training programs, investments in social enterprise, and financial coaching that engages and empowers DV survivors.