Senator Cochran Champions $15 Million Increase to Fund Desperately Needed Services for Domestic Violence Victims and $45 Million Increase to Fund Services for Victims of Crime
NEWS RELEASE by National Network to End Domestic Violence
 

WASHINGTON, June 26 --Advocates from across the country are recognizing Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, for his efforts toward increasing funding to $415 million for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and $635 million for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

"Domestic and sexual violence victims and their advocates are grateful for Senator Cochran's leadership," said Sue Else, President of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). "He has worked hard to increase funding for VAWA and VOCA and his success is a significant step toward meeting the needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence."

Each year, more and more victims of domestic violence find the courage to reach out for help and this funding is a critical step toward meeting victims' needs. According to NNEDV's National Census of Domestic Violence Services, in just one day, domestic violence programs in Mississippi served 278 adults and children. At the same time, 53 requests for help went unmet because the programs did not have the resources to help them. The struggle to meet victims' needs was compounded by extreme cuts to VOCA and cuts to essential VAWA programs in FY '08. Advocates see the Senate bill's increases as essential to supporting domestic violence victims.

"Funding increases to VAWA and VOCA are critical for helping victims nationwide access lifesaving services," said Else. "We recognize that the committee faces a tight fiscal year. We applaud their continued commitment to victims of domestic violence and look forward to working with Senator Cochran and his colleagues on the committee as the bill moves forward in the Senate."