The Trump administration’s funding cuts targeting so-called “woke” federal programs have now affected organizations supporting a particularly vulnerable group: victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Nonprofit leaders warn that these cuts could severely impact emergency shelters, legal aid, and crisis intervention services for survivors across the country.
Concerns Over Grant Freezes and Funding Shortfalls
The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has taken down information about open grants from its website, directing applicants not to finalize their submissions. This move has raised alarm among advocacy groups, as they fear long-term uncertainty over federal funding.
“This is a matter of life for survivors,” said Teresa Stafford-Wright, CEO of Ohio’s Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center. She emphasized that federal grants fund 75% of her organization’s operations. Without these funds, staff layoffs and reduced emergency shelter capacity may become inevitable.
Although OVW allocated $684 million in grants for the 2024 fiscal year, nonprofits are increasingly worried about future funding under the Trump administration’s broader spending cuts.
The Impact on Vulnerable Communities
While the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has statutory protections, advocacy groups stress that budget reductions could disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Some OVW programs specifically assist Native American women, LGBTQ+ survivors, and undocumented immigrants, making them potential targets under Trump’s anti-DEI policies.
“Laurel Redden**, communications director at King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, said the Crime Victims Fund—another DOJ funding source—has already dwindled by $11 billion since 2017. Without federal grants, nonprofits may face difficult choices, including staff reductions and facility closures.
“We’re disaster planning,” Redden said. “Nothing is off the table.”
Political Reactions and Future Uncertainty
Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concerns over the cuts. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) called the funding freeze “unconstitutional, reckless, and dangerous.” Meanwhile, Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) warned against abrupt funding cuts, stating that fiscal responsibility should not come at the cost of survivors’ safety.
The DOJ has not confirmed whether the removed funding opportunities will be reinstated. However, a DOJ official, speaking anonymously, suggested that budget reductions could result in mass layoffs, further complicating the ability of nonprofits to secure grants.
As federal agencies brace for broader staff reductions, the fate of domestic violence support programs remains uncertain. If funding is not restored, critical services for abuse survivors could be permanently disrupted.
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