Domestic Violence Cuts

Domestic violence is defined as any act of violence or abuse against a person living in one’s household. Here in California, we’ve been known for being pioneers, in areas ranging from being “green” to innovation in sectors like biotechnology and other technological advancements. And yet, in a state so driven towards progress, domestic violence seems to be thriving. Since the 1970s the state government has been funding many programs to prevent domestic violence and help victims. But now, along with many other budget cuts Governor Schwarzenegger has imposed upon the state, we’re facing a 100 percent budget cut to these domestic violence programs.

Currently, women and children who are victims of domestic violence have safe places they can go for help, but these sanctuaries are struggling to keep their doors open. Multiple shelters have already closed down, forcing their inhabitants to either find support elsewhere, or face having to support themselves in the midst of an incredibly challenging situation. Understandably, many women and girls will likely be unprepared to do this on their own.

Many women who lived in these shelters had come from such abusive and restrictive relationships that they wouldn’t know how to look for a job or housing, let alone manage other complicated financial responsibilities. Shelters offer services and classes that teach victims how to live without somebody else having total control over their life and how to regain self-confidence. They also offer therapeutic sessions for women and children who have escaped abuse and are unsure how to begin the process of healing and starting their new lives. But without these sessions—and places to live— these victims will feel lost; perhaps as though there is no way out of their cycle of misfortune.

If the absence of a safe place for these victims becomes prominent, they could feel obligated to return to their abusive partner and try to reintegrate into their old life. The abusers often take advantage of their partners’ fear, and may continue their habits for years to come. These abusive partners often blame their actions on alcoholism, stress, or other factors, but it’s often the case that they’ve simply learned to use violence as a tool to control others.

As well as morally reprehensible, entirely eliminating the domestic violence prevention budget is financially illogical. Every year, increasing numbers of people are jailed on counts of domestic abuse and keeping people in jail is far from cheap. As the state accumulates increasing amounts of prisoners, this cost actually becomes incredibly steep. If the state were to allocate more of its funds to the prevention of these crimes as opposed to punishing them, we could save millions of dollars by decreasing the numbers of perpetrators of these crimes. As we cut down on costs to maintain prisons, we can increase funding to more pertinent programs like education and the prevention of violent crimes.

People who flee from abusive relationships do so for a reason. Why should they be forced to return to the place from which they’ve escaped, as it will only cause them harm? Why should Californians pay more to house dangerous inmates instead of protecting victims of domestic violence who need and deserve our support? Everyone has the right to live abuse–free, and it’s what tax–payers should be paying for.