NNEDV recognizes America Saves Week

Washington, D.C. – The National Network to End Domestic Violence today recognized America Saves Week as part of its work to financially empower survivors of domestic violence.  While the economy does not create domestic violence, the severity and frequency of abuse can get worse during an economic downturn.  At the same time, the economy can limit options for survivors of abuse to escape.  

“Finances represent a tremendous barrier for survivors of domestic violence to escape,” said Sue Else, president of the National Network to End Domestic Violence.  “America Saves Week encourages everyone to become financially independent.  For so many victims of domestic violence, financial independence can be a pathway to safety.”

First launched in 2001, America Saves Week is a national campaign that encourages low- and moderate- income individuals to save money, reduce debt and build wealth.  America Saves Week runs from February 20-27.

America Saves partners with more than 1,800 organizations to help people increase their rates of savings.  With a motto of “Start Small, Think Big,” America Saves and the American Savings Education Council provide free tools, tips, and regular guidance for individuals who join at www.americasavesweek.org.

“The National Network to End Domestic Violence is deeply committed helping survivors of domestic abuse with financial tips and money-saving practices,” said Else.  “From day-to-day budgeting to long-term retirement planning, we offer tools to help victims get back on their feet and thrive.”

The National Network and The Allstate Foundation forged a unique partnership combining domestic violence expertise with financial expertise to serve survivors of abuse.  The partnership has produced a comprehensive financial education curriculum designed for survivors of domestic violence.  For more information, visit http://nnedv.org/projects/allstatefoundtion.html and http://www.clicktoempower.org/.   

From NNEDV: White House budget proposal supports lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence

White House Budget Proposal Supports Lifesaving Programs for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

February 17, 2011

NNEDV commended President Barack Obama for his 2012 budget proposal. The fiscally-responsible plan increases funding for programs that prevent and end violence against women and girls.
“During a time of tough budget decisions, we applaud President Obama and Vice President Biden for their support of lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating abuse, and stalking,” said Sue Else, NNEDV’s president.  “Victim advocates across the country are excited that the Obama Administration so clearly demonstrates its leadership on these issues.” 
An NNEDV survey revealed that during one 24-hour period in 2010, more than 70,000 victims received lifesaving services at domestic violence programs nationwide.  Unfortunately, during that same 24-hour period more than 9,500 requests for services went unmet largely due to lack of funding. The president’s proposed investment in these programs will help local domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers respond to more victims who are fleeing abuse. 
The president’s budget proposal increases funding for cost-effective programs by $175 million, an investment that will save lives and taxpayers’ money.  Programs included in these targeted investments are: 

• the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the only federal funding source dedicated to domestic violence shelters and programs;
• the Sexual Assault Services Program, federal funding for victim services; and
• programs serving children affected by domestic violence.

The president’s proposal allocates funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) fund toward emergency shelters, transitional housing and rape crisis services. VOCA is a non-taxpayer source of funding derived entirely from fines and penalties paid by perpetrators. “This smart, targeted investment proposal would assist programs across the country in responding to the needs of victims and ultimately save lives.  We commend the president for investing in these lifesaving and cost-saving programs,” said Else.  “We look forward to working with Congress throughout the budget process to implement the president’s responsible plan and ensure that the final budget invests in all programs that serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking," she concluded.

The president's budget proposal also sets aside $9 million from existing funding sources for the creation of a new domestic violence homicide prevention program.  Domestic violence-related homicides occur at a staggering rate, with an average of three women killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.  The proposed program will use evidence-based tools to identify high risk-cases and intervene to keep victims and their children safe.