Advocates are urging Massachusetts lawmakers to restore millions in funding cut from programs that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, warning that the reductions could leave vulnerable families without essential services.
At a Beacon Hill rally on Thursday, State Rep. Natalie Blais joined advocates and service providers calling on legislators to reverse more than $6 million in cuts from a Department of Public Health account that funds survivor assistance programs.
Stephanie Brown, CEO of Boston-based Casa Myrna, shared how her organization recently helped a mother of six escape an abusive relationship — providing hotel stays, food, and clothing as the family rebuilt their lives. Brown said cuts like these could prevent similar interventions in the future.
“We provide financial assistance to 450 families each year — covering rent, utilities, car repairs, food, and emergency housing,” Brown said. “Without this funding, we won’t be able to give families the support they need.”
This year’s budget reduced the account by roughly 8%, bringing it down to $73 million. Lawmakers have cited tighter economic conditions and changing federal policies as reasons for the reduction.
Nithya Badrinath, policy director at Jane Doe Inc., said the funding is among the most flexible resources available to survivor programs across Massachusetts. Losing it, she said, could lead to fewer emergency hotel vouchers, reduced access to culturally specific services, and limited language support for immigrant survivors.
“These cuts will affect programs statewide — in both cities and rural towns,” Badrinath said.
Rep. Blais, who represents Deerfield in rural Western Massachusetts, noted that domestic violence in remote areas tends to be more severe and harder to address due to isolation and limited access to healthcare and transportation.
Amanda Sanderson, executive director of The Resilience Center of Franklin County, said her organization serves 26 towns, with some clients traveling more than 50 miles for services. “We don’t have large foundations or deep-pocketed donors to make up the shortfall,” she said. “We’ll keep going as long as we can, but eventually, we’ll have to reduce outreach, extend wait lists, and cut staff.”
Senate President Karen Spilka said Thursday that the issue remains a top priority for lawmakers and suggested the funding could be revisited. “Preventing domestic violence is definitely on our radar,” she said. “We’ll review the situation over the next year and consider supplementing the funding if necessary.”
Leave a Reply