For Release on June 27, 2024

Today the Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee marked up and passed the FY25 LHHS appropriations bill, which includes drastic cuts in funding to key programs that address intimate partner violence across the country.

While the bill continues to provide essential funding for The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), it eliminates funding for the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancements and Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA) Program, Rape Prevention Education Program (RPE), women’s health initiatives, the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, and blocks the implementation of the Department of Education’s newly released Title IX rule.

The Hotline received 928,892 calls, texts, and chat in 2023, a nearly 20% increase from the previous year. As more and more survivors reach out for support, victim services and programs across the country are struggling to keep pace as they themselves experience a funding crisis. The added burden of limited federal funding places further strain on the programs and services working tirelessly to meet the needs of survivors.

The funding allocated for the LHHS bill continues to suffer due to draconian spending caps on non-defense discretionary programs. Without substantial investment in non-defense discretionary spending and funding to support the LHHS bill, survivors will continue to face barriers to access the safety and services they need to heal from a life of violence. We urge Congress to increase investment in the final FY25 LHHS appropriations act.

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7/365. Text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or chat with us online at TheHotline.org. You are not alone.