State funding for domestic violence shelters to be restored

Today, Governor Schwarzenegger signed emergency legislation restoring $16.3 million in state funding for 94 domestic violence shelters and centers throughout California.

After Governor Schwarzenegger cut $20.4 million from the state's Domestic Violence Program in July, the effects were devastating. One case, here in LA, is especially jarring. A victim of domestic violence finally sought help at a domestic violence shelter after years of abuse, only to find that the shelter had closed due to lack of funding. When she returned home that night, she shot and killed her husband. If the shelter had been open, her story probably would have been different.

I'm glad to know that domestic violence shelters will be able to reopen their doors, providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and many other critical support services.