$13 Million in Proposed Funding for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Vetoed

Domestic violence and sexual assault service providers across Georgia are facing uncertainty after millions of dollars in proposed state funding were removed from the state budget, raising concerns about the future of survivor services.

The Fiscal Year 2026 state budget approved by lawmakers included an additional $13 million for domestic violence, sexual assault, and child advocacy programs. The funding included allocations intended to support domestic violence services and sexual assault programs.

However, the additional funding was later removed through Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget veto process as part of broader reductions to new state spending. The governor’s veto documents are publicly available through the Governor’s Office.

Advocates say the funding debate comes at a time when organizations are already experiencing increased demand for services and financial challenges.

In 2024, the Georgia Commission on Family Violence reported that certified domestic violence agencies across the state responded to more than 110,000 crisis calls. The commission’s data highlights the continued need for emergency assistance, advocacy, and support services for survivors.

In Valdosta, The Haven provides domestic violence shelter services and sexual assault support for residents across South Georgia. The organization operates a 24-hour shelter and provides services including emergency housing, advocacy, and assistance for survivors.

For organizations like The Haven, maintaining services requires continued funding to support around-the-clock operations and survivor assistance programs. The organization has continued providing services to victims in South Georgia while state agencies, lawmakers, and advocates consider future funding priorities.

The funding uncertainty also raises concerns for rural communities, where survivors often rely on regional organizations for access to services. In South Georgia, organizations such as Satilla Advocacy Services provide sexual assault survivor support to Coffee County and surrounding counties, including advocacy, counseling, crisis response, and other assistance for survivors.

Statewide advocates have also raised concerns about broader financial pressures facing victim-service organizations. The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence has previously highlighted challenges related to declining victim-services funding and the impact those reductions can have on programs, particularly smaller and rural providers.

The concerns come after years of changes in federal support for victim services. The governor’s office previously announced additional state funding for victim-service organizations following reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act funding, noting that those grants support domestic violence shelters, sexual assault centers, and other organizations that assist victims.

Domestic violence and sexual assault programs provide more than emergency shelter. Services often include crisis response, legal advocacy, counseling referrals, housing assistance, and other resources designed to help survivors move toward safety and stability.

As lawmakers prepare for future budget discussions, providers say stable funding remains critical to ensuring survivors across Georgia have access to emergency shelter, advocacy, and support services when they need them.

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By Kristen Kitchens | Daily Coffee Press Editor & Reporter