Honda Says State Must Support Domestic Violence Shelters

Schwarzenegger Administration May Not Be Convinced.

Sacramento, CA — US Rep. Michael Honda (D-Calif.) is asking that the state´s government fully restore its funding program for California´s domestic violence shelters. In a July line-item veto, Governor Schwarzenegger eliminated the state Domestic Violence Program, cutting $16.3 million that went directly to shelters. Since then six shelters have closed statewide and dozens of others have reduced staff and services.

On October 21 the governor signed an emergency bill to partially restore shelter funding, a measure applicable only to fiscal year 09-10. California´s community of domestic violence advocates is now asking that the state identify a permanent source of funding that will ensure shelters can continue to provide their critical emergency services. Early signs show that the governor´s office may not believe the state has a role to play.

In a Los Angeles Times article of November 2, the governor´s budget director Mike Genest seemed to express regret that the administration had been forced by public outcry to temporarily restore shelter funding, saying: "We tried to take money away from women's shelters and had to relent on that."

Tara Shabazz, executive director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, voiced concern at the attitude indicated by Genest´s comment.

"I think Mr. Genest's choice of words is quite unfortunate," she said. "In what sense is the state 'relenting' in choosing to help save the lives of its citizens? If this is the administration's attitude toward shelter funding, then we have a long road ahead of us. But we will not give up. The rights and safety of Californians are paramount."

US Rep. Michael Honda (D-Calif.) agrees that the state has a vested interest in helping abuse victims attempting to flee violent environments.

"While I am relieved that the governor has signed a law that will temporarily restore domestic violence funding, it is reprehensible that we do not adequately fund shelters on an ongoing basis," he said. "The fear of being homeless, without protection, assistance, and counseling, all loom as considerable obstacles to leaving an abusive relationship. The community, the state, the Federal government, all have an obligation to help the women, men, and children who are abused and have nowhere to go."

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence urges our governor and legislature to fully, and permanently, restore state funding for domestic violence shelters.

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence is California´s statewide domestic violence coalition, with over 200 member organizations and individuals. Working at the local, state and national levels for more than 25 years, the California Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 100 pieces of legislation on behalf of battered women and their children. As the unified voice for California´s domestic violence agencies, CPEDV provides statewide leadership on public policy issues, offers training and technical assistance to domestic violence service providers and promotes public awareness through community outreach efforts. With offices in Sacramento, CPEDV´s member programs span the entire state.