Missouri domestic violence shelters face proposed budget reductions

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – In the Missouri 2027 budget proposal is a one million dollar cut to funding that helps support domestic violence shelters. Advocates say that this may look like just a number on paper, but this funding saves lives. 

Kim Dixon is the Executive Director of Safe House of Southeast Missouri. She shares that locally they serve about 600 clients per year.

They have a 24-hour call center that allows for victims in domestic violence situations to call and receive immediate help, which is crucial for someone stuck in a domestic violence situation, Dixon shares funding cuts would directly affect their call center and cut funding by 10%.

“10 percent, you may not think that it’s a lot, but to us, it’s huge and it’s going to drastically impact the services that we provide” says Dixon.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Missouri is ranked amongst one of the worst states for domestic violence.  Consistently ranking the top third for highest domestic violence cases.  

We asked our NOW app users for their opinion on the 2027 budget proposal.

Now app user, Angel Christine “I think that the $1 million budget cut is absolutely significant in this because domestic violence is very serious in this state.” 

Now app user, Amelia Blackwell “Domestic violence victims don’t need another stressor to their situations and that’s what this budget cut would be.” 

According to Jessica Hill the Chief Public Affairs Officer for Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, last year, nearly 55,000 adults and children sought support from Missouri’s domestic violence shelters and service agencies.  She shared in a statement “Although a $1 million reduction to the domestic violence shelters & services (DVSS) grant program might seem relatively insignificant, it represents a 10% cut to this source of much-needed funds. That’s on top of substantial reductions already sustained in victims of crime act (VOCA) grant funding, another program administered by the dept. Of social services.  Domestic violence impacts families in every corner of the state.  It’s urgent that the Missouri legislature restore DVSS funding now.” 

“So being able to leave a dangerous situation and come into our shelter and provide safety, I mean, that’s a critical element of what we’re doing and without the funding you’re taking away someone’s safety” says Dixon.

Advocates urge for those who do not support the 2027 budget proposal to contact Missouri legislatures with concerns.