Funds sought to combat domestic violence

PRINCETON — Local domestic violence workers are watching with interest a funding bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-18) joined hands across the aisle with Wisconsin Democrat Gwen Moore to introduce the reauthorization of H.R. 4116, the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act. FVPSA is the only federal legislation that provides the funding to keep the lights on and the doors open at local domestic violence shelters across the country.

FVPSA, which expired in 2008, was last reauthorized in 2003, and according to a press release issued by Schock’s office, is underfunded and in need of critical updates.

“It is absolutely critical that domestic violence centers throughout the country have the necessary funding to operate,” Schock said. “Not only does this legislation ensure they will have the resources to function, it expands essential services for victims, teens and children by specializing their programs and utilizing new technologies. All too often, children who have been exposed to the horrors of domestic violence perpetuate the cycle of abuse. This legislation enables shelters to tailor their programs to prevent abuse before it starts.”

Connie Doran, executive director at Freedom House, said the legislation is important.

“Right now we have concerns that there could be unprecedented mid-year budget cuts to programs providing services to victims of abuse,” Doran said. “Additionally, we are also unsure what Fiscal Year 2011 will bring.”

Doran said Illinois has come a long way in providing services to victims of abuse and would hate to see the state change direction by making the cuts.

“It is unthinkable to imagine how far our state would be backsliding to the days before these services were available, such as a safe shelter, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, counseling and prevention education,” she said.

Vicki Smith, executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence said domestic violence programs in Illinois, such as Freedom House, are struggling to meet the increasing demand for services as the economic crisis sends more victims to their doors just as funding sources are decreasing.

Doran said any help with funding, including increasing tax revenue, could be essential to the continuation of services at Freedom House and other shelters.