Legal Research

Domestic Violence Group Protests Proposed End of Victims Fund

By David Badertscher, PLL

Source: Crime and Justice News, February 8, 2008.

"On top of cuts in the federal Victims of Crime Act Fund in the budget for the current fiscal year voted by Congress in December, President Bush's fiscal 2009 budget out this week proposes the end of the fund itself, which currently has more than $2 billion, complains the National Network to End Domestic Violence. The group says the impact of the recently voted reductions 'now being felt by victim service providers across the country who have lost core funding.' "

The network contends that if Bush's budget proposal is enacted, 'it would be devastating for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.' The group cites budget proposals to cut $120 million in federal funding for programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and to maintain funding for the Family Violence Prevention Services and Act at $52.4 million less than its authorized amount. Eliminating the VOCA fund, says the domestic violence group, 'would further endanger victims' lives since the current budget cuts are already forcing programs to scramble to continue to be lifelines for millions of victims across this country.' Congress faces heavy pressure from the White House to cut discretionary domestic spending to pay for the war in Iraq and entitlements."

National Network to End Domestic Violence

Full post as published by New York Supreme Court Criminal Term Library on February 08, 2008 (boomark / email).