The Columbian reports that the Department of Social and Health Services will soon be reducing funding for state-funded domestic violence programs across Washington. These organizations recently received notice that their funding will be reduced by 25 percent beginning on January 1, 2012, and an additional 50 percent will be taken away as of July 1, 2012.

The cuts are aimed at closing the gap on a $1.4 billion state budget shortfall. At a time when economic stress is leading to family tension and increased domestic violence, the news isn't exactly uplifting.

One example of a program that will have reduced funding is the Clark County YWCA SafeChoice program, which operates domestic violence shelters, counselors, educators and other staff members. In total, 22 people are employed by the program. According to the director of the program, layoffs may be necessary in order to deal with the funding cuts.

Earlier this summer, the Clark County YWCA program decided to stop operations one day per week in order to save on costs. While some programs still operate on Saturdays, the domestic violence program is already not open on Fridays. With the funding cuts, more difficult cuts will most certainly follow.

According to a recent annual report, over $2 million of the SafeChoice program's 2010 income of $3 million came from government funding. According to those involved in the program, it is always filled up. Sherri Bennett, executive director of the SafeChoice program, said the loss of education and prevention funding will have a negative impact on communities, in which large numbers of sexually abused boys end up becoming abusers as they get older and girls continue to be victimized.

Overall, state officials are proposing to cut $4.7 million from the state's domestic violence shelter program, as well as additional $83,000 from domestic violence prevention programs for underserved communities.

Despite the funding cuts, publicly funded domestic violence shelters will continue to offer basic services such as a 24-hour hotline and 24-hour staff coverage. These types of services will be kept around in the midst of the cuts, as they are required under state law.

Sources: The Columbian, "State may trim 75% from domestic violence program," Scott Hewitt, October 17, 2011.