The Domestic Violence Funding Paradox: Behind the Curtain of an Industry Where Billions Are Spent and Survivors Are Overlooked

Article here. Excerpt:

'When representatives from fifteen newly funded Family Justice Center pilot sites gathered at the Omni San Diego Hotel in early 2004, the event was framed as a collaborative kickoff — a chance for communities across the country to learn from the San Diego model and begin building their own multidisciplinary centers. What most attendees never saw, however, was the tension surrounding who was allowed to take part and who were not.

At the time, I was President of the National Coalition For Men’s San Diego chapter, which I had started in 1997. NCFM’s chapter and national headquarters sat just a few blocks from the Omni, and our organization had long been involved in supporting victims of domestic violence, including male victims who often struggled to find services. When the event organizers initially invited local domestic‑violence and social‑service providers to host informational booths, we applied.

Our request was denied.

We challenged the decision, pointing out that NCFM had over 20 years of experience nationally assisting victims and advocating for equitable services. We made it clear that excluding us — while inviting other providers — raised serious concerns, and we were prepared to pursue legal remedies if necessary. Rather than reconsider, the organizers chose a different route. We were told that no service providers would be allowed to host booths at the event. The entire idea was scrapped.

The message was unmistakable.'