RADAR ALERT: How Much Taxpayer Money is Enough for Domestic Violence Programs?

Congress currently spends approx. $1 billion (!) annually on domestic violence programs(1), and the recent economic stimulus bill just added another $325 million.(2) Yet, while the rest of the nation is forced to cut back during these difficult economic times, advocates are asking Congress for even more – over a quarter billion more dollars every year!(3) Although this analysis considers only Federal funding, be aware that these programs also receive sizeable private donations as well as state and local funding.

Congressonal spending this year works out to approximately $2,948 per female domestic violence victim. The demand for a funding increase amounts to an additional $623 per female domestic violence victim every year.(4) Since domestic violence service providers offer neglibible help to male victims, services for male victims are not included in these calcualtions.(5)