Contact:
Chase Tarrier, Public Policy Coordinator
End Domestic Abuse WI
chaset@endabusewi.org, 608.237.3985
Madison— Domestic violence victim advocates across Wisconsin are strongly opposing provisions in President Trump’s federal budget proposal that dramatically cut vital programs. These long-standing, highly successful programs exist to serve low and middle-income people, disabled citizens and other vulnerable individuals.
“Reports that the Trump budget calls for slashing more than $800 billion from Medicaid programs like BadgerCare, $192 billion from nutritional assistance, $72 billion from disability benefits and $272 billion over all from economic support programs are appalling,” said Patti Seger, executive director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. “At End Abuse, we recognize that violence does not exist in a vacuum. Access to health care, housing, employment, adequate food and other resources are critical factors to ensuring that victims can protect themselves and live free of abuse. If passed, this proposal would have an immediate and devastating impact on survivors all across the country.
“When victims of abuse lose access to critical services like Medicaid or food stamps, they are far more likely to return to a violent batterer to make ends meet. Additionally, this proposal would have a disproportionate effect on folks who already struggling to get by and are especially vulnerable to abuse, such as individuals who have disabilities. End Abuse is calling on Congress to completely reject President Trump’s disastrous proposal to slash funding for the programs that so many citizens, including victims of domestic violence, critically need.”
President Trump’s proposal, which needs to pass in both houses of Congress before becoming law, would be an unprecedented step backwards for victims.
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End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the leading voice for victims of domestic abuse in Wisconsin. At End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, we educate shelter and program volunteers and advocates, law enforcement, legislators, and community members to provide safety and support to survivors. We strive to shift Wisconsin from the attitudes and beliefs that cause domestic violence to values of mutual respect and equality, and we partner with communities in the effort to prevent and end domestic abuse.
We encourage reporters to include the National Domestic Violence Hotline number [1−800−799−SAFE(7233)] in their stories for victims who need help. A list of local Wisconsin domestic violence victim service providers can be found at http://www.endabusewi.org.
