'We're disaster planning': Trump's funding freeze rattles domestic violence nonprofits
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Source: Politico
03/01/2025 02:00 PM EST
The Trump administration funding cuts aimed at “woke” federal programs have now ensnared some organizations working with a particularly vulnerable group: victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Leaders of gender-based violence nonprofits said that the freeze — which is the subject of a pitched legal battle — has sparked concern about how long they can continue to provide emergency shelter, legal and crisis services to abuse victims around the country.
Adding to fears: the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women wiped information about open funding opportunities from its website in February, directing applicants to not finalize any grant applications. Advocates warn that the prolonged uncertainty and potential cuts could destabilize lifesaving services across the country.
“This is a matter of life for survivors,” Teresa Stafford-Wright, chief executive officer of Ohio’s Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, said. “Oftentimes, when you’re talking about leaving these situations, they become even more deadly.”
Stafford-Wright said federal grants make up 75 percent of her organization’s operating budget. Cuts to OVW grant funding could force the organization to lay off staff members, including a court advocate who helps survivors navigate the legal system, and scale back on emergency shelter beds, despite already regularly being at capacity.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/01/funding-freeze-domestic-violence-00206807
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