Thousands of Philadelphians in danger due to funding cuts

Legal services to victims of domestic violence in jeopardy because of state budget negotiations

Philadelphia, PA – June 15, 2010: The Women Against Abuse Legal Center – one of the only sources for legal aid for domestic violence victims in Philadelphia – is being threatened by funding cuts that could leave thousands of lives at risk.

As part of the state budget negotiations, the Pennsylvania General Assembly will decide whether or not to preserve funding levels for the Human Services Development Fund (HSDF). In the past, HSDF provided nearly 40 million dollars to help organizations serve children and families throughout the state. It has been slashed significantly over the past few years – down almost 30% from just two years ago. Earlier this year, Governor Edward Rendell reduced HSDF as part of a budget freeze, which puts the fund in a very vulnerable position as the General Assembly sets next year’s budget. Women Against Abuse receives $250,000 annually from HSDF, which is a significant portion of the Legal Center’s total operating budget.

Women Against Abuse is calling for legislators to protect Philadelphians by restoring the HSDF fund.
The Women Against Abuse Legal Center serves over 5,600 individuals each year through legal advocacy and representation. Attorneys, paralegals, and court advocates help clients obtain protection from abuse orders. Attorneys also provide client representation in child custody and support cases.

These services are crucial for victims in Philadelphia, where domestic homicides nearly doubled in 2009, and requests for help are at an all-time high.

Through the Legal Center, Women Against Abuse is able to intervene at critical moments in the lives of domestic violence victims; and help women, men, and children break free of violence and live in safety.

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About Women Against Abuse
Women Against Abuse (WAA), Inc., one of the largest domestic violence programs in the country, serves more than 10,000 individuals each year through emergency housing, legal services, hotline counseling, education and advocacy. WAA operates the only comprehensive program in Philadelphia whose sole purpose is to assist victims of domestic violence and their children. For more information, go to http://www.womenagainstabuse.org.

Press Contact: Katie Young Wildes
215 386 1280 x115
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