Local Domestic Violence Center Hurting From State Budget Cuts

Months after Governor Schwarzenegger made drastic cuts to state funding for  domestic violence services and programs, a Los Angeles County domestic violence shelter is still hurting. And with the governor expected to continue to ignore domestic violence services in the 2010/2011budget year, it doesn’t look like things will be getting any better.

The Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley says it expects to continue to see a drastic loss in government funding—a 46% percent loss to be exact. The center is the only agency providing comprehensive domestic violence services to the valley and its 250,000 residents. It normally receives $207,222 a year from the Department of Health.

Last year, the governor’s line-item veto resulted in a 100% cut to the center’s state funding. Fortunately, a local assembly member was able to restore some state funds, but the center still had to make drastic cuts, including the loss of the center’s outreach center home. Unable to pay rent, the center was forced to move from its home of over a decade to a small office space.

The center’s executive director, Nicole Sherlock, is incredibly saddened by the cuts. “The elimination of funding has set back the services for victims of domestic violence that will be felt for many years and it sends the message that victims often hear from their abusers—you are alone.”

The center has turned to the community and legislative support to keep its doors opened.  If you are interested in making a donation, you can do so on the center’s website by clicking here.