1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

As your constituent. I respectfully request you take immediate action to protect and support increased funding to serve victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The President’s budget cuts Violence Against Women Grant programs by $200 million and consolidates the grant functions of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) into the Office of Justice Programs. This means that almost all OVW grant programs were cut including a $15 million reduction in legal assistance for victims, $15 million reduction for rural programs, $65 million reduction in STOP grants, $10 million reduction in transitional housing, as well as completely defunding programs such as SANE exams, engaging men and youth in prevention, and local law enforcement for cyber crimes. The consolidation plan goes against the statue laid out in VAWA 2022. Congress must reject VAWA cuts and OVW consolidation. I urge you to protect these grants, push for immediate restoration of rescinded funds, and ensure robust investments in FY26. Victims and survivors, their families, and their communities depend on it.