Reductions to domestic abuse program minimal
Laura Bond, Reporter
07-23-2009
A few months ago, managers of a local domestic violence prevention program feared a massive budget cut.
But what was first expected to be an up to 16 percent funding reduction due to a state budget shortfall has turned out to be a less than 4 percent cut for the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team.
“I was just blown away when I heard,” DART founder Terrie Queen Autrey said. “We are just so incredibly grateful. With everyone in the state hurting so much, we expected a much more substantial cut.”
Autrey said if the agency serving five parishes had been hit with deeper budget cuts, layoffs and office closures could have been a reality, and decisions had been being narrowed down about what offices might close or who would be cut.
“It was a very painful process,” Autrey said. “We’re thrilled we’re not going to have to do that. About four years ago, we had a huge funding cut and it took away our children’s advocate (positions) in the rural parishes we serve. This is a cut we can figure our way around without losing staff or offices.”
DART operates one shelter and provides services and offices in Lincoln, Union, Jackson, Bienville and Claiborne parishes. The agency, created in the mid 1990s, offers help such as legal advocacy, shelter, group sessions and individual counseling to victims of domestic violence.
DART Executive Director Cathy Ayo said most of the nonprofit organization’s funding comes from a state and federal grant, which supports salaries of its 20 employees, utility bills and rent for its offices. This year, DART has been awarded $404,000 — or $16,000 less than last year — which pleases Ayo considering the grant is competitive. Some of the cuts will be offset by the record-setting donation amount — $25,750 — at DART’s annual radiothon fundraiser in April.
Ayo said $6.4 million in grant money was divided among the state’s 20 domestic violence programs. Overall, Ayo said there was a 9 percent reduction for all of the programs, meaning DART fared well with only a 4 percent cut.
“I think (the grant allocation panel) was impressed we have an office in every parish we serve,” Ayo said. “A lot of programs serve multiple parishes, but do not have offices in every one. This helps women who don’t have transportation, and by having a visible presence in the parish, people are more comfortable about going there.”
With the economy in bad shape, Ayo said she expects domestic violence to increase, because of financial stress experienced by the abuser. The recession, however, could also decrease the number of victims of domestic violence who seek DART’s services.
“The majority of people who receive services at DART are getting a restraining order or want to live in a separate residence from the abuser,” Ayo said. “With the economy, financial resources might be limited and jobs not available, so it may make people stay (in the abusive relationship) instead of leaving.”
__________
Victims aided
Through its shelter, counseling and legal advocacy, DART provided services to approximately 200 women, 160 children and three men in the first six months of 2009.
Other Top Stories
