Gov. Schwarzenegger terminates funding to domestic violence programs

State parks may be threatened, but worse is the total elimination of domestic violence funding in the 2009/10 budget signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. It was a surprise to many when he added nearly a half billion in extra cuts including more to parks and to various health programs on Tuesday.

The Domestic Violence Center in the Santa Clarita Valley is the only agency that provides domestic violence services in the 200-square mile valley. As a result of Schwarzenegger's cut, which is immediate, they've lost 45%, or $207,222.00, of their annual funding, which they say will force them to close their doors later this year unless the community supports them with donations. In 2008, they served over 1,000 victims of domestic violence.

“As the Center’s Executive Director, I think about every client who has come through our doors and their horrific stories of abuse - I cannot help but cry when I think about what the loss of our services will mean to victims," said Executive Director Nicole Shellcroft in a statement. "Those who walk through our doors have suffered through broken bones, beatings, strangulation, food deprivation, arson, torture, genital mutilation and unspeakable sexual violence. They have been thrown down flights of stairs, have been victim to violent physical attacks during pregnancy and have even faced the prospect of murder. Victims seek our services to escape incredible violence aimed at them and their children."

Earlier this month, a Santa Clarita man killed his wife before committing suicide. Shellcroft related it to a domestic violence incident.