National Domestic Violence Hotline Welcomes President’s Proposed Budget

AUSTIN, TX – The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) expresses our profound appreciation for President Biden’s proposed FY23 budget, which contains significant increases for many critical domestic violence programs and services working on the front lines to support survivors on their path to a safer future. This includes $27 million for The Hotline— a meaningful and much needed increase in our annual funding, which also supports the operations of StrongHearts Native Helpline.

Since its inception in 1996, The Hotline has answered the call to support and shift power back to those affected by relationship abuse and offered 24/7 services for survivors seeking validation, connection to resources, shelter and safety planning. The need for services has greatly increased as survivors, many of whom have been experiencing intensified abuse and increased isolation throughout COVID-19, are feeling ready to reach out for support. The Hotline is currently experiencing a significant increase in contacts–averaging more than 2,600 incoming calls, chats and texts per day.

“In February 2022 we experienced the highest monthly contact volume in our 25-year history. We know that more survivors are reaching out for support than ever before,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “It is heartening to know the Administration understands the nature of our work and the increased support needed by survivors around the country.”

Increased federal investment is invaluable for The Hotline. It allows us to expand our capacity and infrastructure to meet the escalation in contact volume, grow our youth prevention and healthy relationships program, love is respect, and increase support to Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services.

Our unprecedented contact volume is a somber illustration of just how many people around this country need 24/7 support as they experience relationship abuse. We will continue our mission to ensure that services for survivors are always available.

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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.