Understanding the Federal Domestic Violence Funding Cuts

Across the country, federal funding for victim services is being reduced through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and the effects are being felt right here in Arizona. For A New Leaf, these cuts have brought difficult choices, as essential programs that support survivors of domestic violence face reductions in staff and resources. The impact reaches deep into our community, affecting court advocacy programs, emergency shelters, and outreach services that help survivors rebuild their lives.

At A New Leaf, we’ve always believed that safety can’t wait. Our shelters, counseling services, and housing programs exist to ensure that every survivor has a safe place to turn. But when VOCA funding was reduced, we were forced to make heartbreaking adjustments. This included reducing staff in our court advocacy programs. That means fewer survivors have someone to walk beside them through one of the most frightening and confusing parts of their journey: navigating the legal system.

Make no mistake, the need for domestic violence services is not shrinking. Last year, A New Leaf served nearly 6,000 survivors across Maricopa and Pinal counties. That number represents lives changed, families reunited, and children who now sleep safely at night. But it also underscores the reality that we are only scratching the surface of the need. Every day, survivors reach out for help and it’s our responsibility to be ready when they do.

These cuts come at a time when awareness and prevention efforts are making real progress. Domestic violence fatalities in Arizona have declined in recent years, proof that intervention and education save lives. We cannot afford to lose that momentum. Every advocate, every shelter bed, and every supportive hand matters in ensuring survivors not only escape violence but also find the confidence and stability to rebuild.

What this Means for A New Leaf’s Services

Despite these challenges, our mission remains unwavering. Every day, our staff and volunteers continue to provide emergency shelter, emotional support, and long-term assistance to families escaping abuse. Programs like DV STOP, which guarantees survivors a safe temporary location even when shelters are full, continue to operate thanks to the commitment of our team and the compassion of our supporters.

We are determined to push back against these cuts by expanding local engagement and deepening our collaboration with cities, donors, and corporate partners. A New Leaf’s team is working tirelessly to strengthen the safety net for survivors, because every person seeking shelter, legal guidance, or counseling should find a door open, not closed.

Our commitment to survivors is stronger than ever. In this spirit, we’re calling on our community to stand with survivors. Your donation, volunteer hours, or even your voice can make a difference. Together, we can make sure that federal cuts don’t cut short someone’s chance at safety.