FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2023

Press Contact: 

Grace Glaser, Public Affairs & Policy Manager: gglaser@valor.us, (916) 446-2520 x323

Megan Tanahashi, Strategic Communications Analyst: megan@cpedv.org, (916) 800-4856

Statewide survey of sexual and domestic violence organizations forecasts increased homelessness and trauma due to potentially catastrophic funding cuts

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and ValorUS® urge state leaders to include $200 million in ongoing funding in the state budget to avert cuts

SACRAMENTO – In a survey administered by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) and ValorUS® (VALOR), 89 California-based sexual and domestic violence organizations projected disastrous consequences resulting from an impending steep decline in federal funding for victims services. Responses revealed that staffing losses from an estimated $170 million decline in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding for California service providers would lead to threats to overall safety, including increases in psychological issues, harm and lethality; increases in housing instability and homelessness; and further danger for marginalized people. With one in two California adults experiencing some form of intimate partner violence during their lifetime, thousands of people rely on crisis services: in fiscal year 2021 and 2022, rape crisis centers served 46,461 people and domestic violence organizations provided 354,227 emergency shelter nights.

150 organizations have called upon Governor Gavin Newsom and state leadership to provide $200 million in ongoing funding for victim services to prevent federal cuts from impacting survivors of crime and provide ongoing stability to services in the state. If California leaders fail to take action, cuts will take effect in July 2024. 

Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for people experiencing domestic violence, making housing options a core part of crisis responses. 56% of all surveyed organizations—and 67% of  organizations serving communities of color, tribal communities, and LGBTQ+ people—revealed that funding cuts would result in a loss or significant reduction (more than 50%) in housing services including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and housing first.

“We could not uphold our emergency shelter and transitional housing programs for Asian, Arab, and LGBTQ+ survivors of violence with a 30% reduction in VOCA funding,” said Orchid Pusey, Executive Director of Asian Women’s Shelter. “We would have to lay off women and LGBTQ+ women of color workers, and leave other women and LGBTQ+ survivors of violence on the streets.”

Sexual violence is often linked to short-term and long-term mental health outcomes, like post-traumatic stress disorder. 70% of total surveyed organizations—and 67% of culturally specific organizations—said that there would be a loss or significant reduction (more than 50%) in direct services to people experiencing sexual and domestic violence, including counseling and/or support groups. Most Rape Crisis Centers have less than one full-time therapist on staff, creating long wait times to access counseling services. Funding cuts would increase wait times and decrease access.

“Waitlists impact immediate safety,” said Cori Austin, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Community Solutions. “Further prolonged states of crisis may lead to someone returning to the abuser, increased mental health issues including suicide; physical health issues; substance abuse; and homelessness. There is already a shortage of resources locally, so survivors and children will be left unserved if there are further cuts.”

For more information about the results of the Partnership and VALOR’s survey, view the highlights or read the detailed survey analysis.

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About ValorUS®: 

ValorUS® (VALOR) is a California-based, national anti-violence organization and California’s sexual assault coalition committed to advancing equity and ending sexual violence. Since our founding in 1980, we have continued to build dynamic relationships across a diverse range of communities, institutions and systems, and mobilize our network of survivors and advocates to influence change. Through leadership, prevention, and advocacy, we are fearlessly pursuing a world free from violence where the dignity of every person is valued and respected.  For more information, visit valor.us.

About the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence:

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) works to prevent and end domestic violence in California by mobilizing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations, and allies. Via public policy, prevention, communications, and community-based strategic engagement, we strive to build healthy relationships at all levels by eliminating the injustices which perpetuate cycles of violence, elevating and expanding opportunities for innovative solutions that center survivors, and building and funding support for local programs using a healing lens.