Sudden Federal Grant Terminations Threaten Lifesaving Domestic Violence Resources

April 24, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) expresses deep concern and disappointment over the administration’s immediate termination of federal funding for critical programs serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children.

This decision puts lives at risk without considering the needs of those who are most vulnerable. Stable funding is the backbone of our ability to protect survivors; without it, our communities are less safe for everyone.

“Federal funding cuts will have devastating, real-life consequences for survivors and their children,” said Stephanie Love-Patterson, President & CEO of NNEDV. “The foundation of a great country is in caring for its most vulnerable. Turning our backs on those who desperately need the services provided by these grants will undo years of progress and jeopardize countless lives.”

As part of these cuts, NNEDV is devastated to announce the immediate termination of one of our federal grants, which supported the work of our WomensLaw team in providing free, confidential, and accessible legal information and support to thousands of survivors, their families, and advocates annually, through the WomensLaw Email Hotline.

The impact of these cuts extends beyond domestic violence survivors. The abrupt cancellation of U.S. Department of Justice grants has left a wide range of victim services organizations — including those supporting survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes — facing layoffs and service reductions. Communities in every state and territory are affected, and the loss of these resources threatens the safety and well-being of countless individuals and families who rely on these programs for crisis intervention, legal aid, and recovery support.

NNEDV stands in solidarity with all victims, survivors, their families, with our 56 State and US Territory member organizations, and other community partners affected. We urge the administration to restore funding for these vital programs immediately. The safety and well-being of survivors, their children, and all communities affected by violence must remain a national priority.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Carmen Recalde Russo, NNEDV Communications Director, at Communications@NNEDV.org.

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The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) represents the 56 state and U.S. territorial coalitions against domestic violence, representing more than 2000 domestic violence programs nationwide. NNEDV is a social change organization working to create a social, political, and economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists. NNEDV works to make domestic violence a national priority, change the way society responds to domestic violence, and strengthen domestic violence advocacy at every level.