Domestic Violence Center of Chester County reposted this
PCADV is pleased to announce that the FY 24-25 state budget, signed by Governor Shapiro last night, includes a $2.5M increase in the domestic violence line item. We thank our champions in the Governor’s office, the legislature, and the Department of Human Services, who were critical partners in securing this increased funding for domestic violence services. Pennsylvania’s 59 domestic violence programs, serving 90,000 victims annually, have not seen a meaningful budget increase in half a decade. While this appropriation represents a historic increase, it falls short of the Governor’s original proposal of a $5M increase and far below PCADV’s goal of an $8M increase. Most importantly, it is not enough to meet the real needs of all domestic violence victims and their children in Pennsylvania. Unmet requests for services have more than doubled in the last year, placing victims and their children at increased risk of harm. This is an alarming trend that cannot be ignored. The need for continued and increased support is critical. With cuts to Victims of Crime Act funding looming and additional massive cuts proposed to other federal programs that support domestic violence prevention, PCADV is already gearing up for FY 25-26 budget advocacy. “We will not stop advocating until every victim’s need is met with the resources required to secure their safety,” Higginbotham emphasized, “because every victim in Pennsylvania deserves access to the help they need when they need it.”
Congrats to Susan Higginbotham and your team!
Strategist. Change Maker. Innovation Seeker. Convener. Catalyst. Facilitator. Change Coach. Land of Lincoln. Cultivating joy. Mayhem master. Military family (retired).
1moCongratulations! Great work!