Increased Funding for The Hotline Will Help Meet Growing Needs of Domestic Violence Survivors

AUSTIN, TX — On December 20, House and Senate Leadership released their final Fiscal Year 2023 spending package, which allocates $20.5 million for the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline), including direct support for StrongHearts Native Helpline. This is a significant increase for the organization which is experiencing the highest contact volume in its 26-year history. The package allocated a total of $240 million for The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the primary federal funding stream dedicated to supporting emergency shelters and related assistance for survivors of domestic violence and their children. The bill encourages needed exploration of evidence-based best practices for anti-violence intervention and prevention. The bill also includes increased investment in a variety of important domestic violence programs and services, including much needed culturally specific services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“We understand that Congress must balance so many critical priorities in their funding package, and we are so grateful that members have heard and understood the needs of survivors,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “This funding will allow The Hotline to continue to invest in our 24/7 services and expand capacity to answer the call of those impacted by relationship abuse. The Hotline offers our profound thanks to House and Senate leadership, the appropriations committee, and its staff for their commitment to survivors and bi-partisan agreement on this essential funding to ensure critical support, resources, and services to those impacted by domestic violence.”

The Hotline has served more than 6.5 million people since 1996, and the need for our services continues to grow. On average, The Hotline and our youth dating abuse education and prevention project, love is respect, receive nearly 3,000 calls, chats, and texts (contacts) every day. Before the pandemic, the typical daily contact volume was, on average, 800-1,200 contacts. We have worked closely with members of Congress and their staff to ensure they understand the growing and serious needs of survivors throughout this country. We are incredibly grateful they were able to provide an increased investment that will help ensure that we can continue to be here for survivors when they need support.

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7/365. Text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat online at TheHotline.org. You are not alone.