1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The removal of funding opportunities from the Office on Violence Against Women's website is deeply concerning for survivors of gender-based violence and the organizations that support them. OVW is a vital source of grants that enable nonprofits to provide essential services like housing assistance, legal aid, and counseling for victims. These resources are a lifeline for those escaping abuse. A pause or cut to this funding would devastate the ability of service providers to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Domestic violence does not pause during political transitions. Survivors require continuous access to emergency shelters, crisis hotlines, and other critical supports. Organizations also rely on stable funding to retain skilled staff and maintain operations. Protecting the safety and wellbeing of abuse survivors must be a top priority that transcends partisan politics. Restoring and expanding funding opportunities through OVW is imperative to uphold our commitment to defending human rights and combating gender-based violence in all its forms. Swift action is needed to prevent this life-saving work from being disrupted and to ensure victims can access the services they desperately need.