California 2012 Domestic Violence Census Released; Over 1,100 Service Requests Went Unmet Due to Lack of Resources
 
Sacramento, May 8, 2013—The new Domestic Violence Counts: A 24-hour Census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Programs report released by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) reveals that in 2012, California domestic violence programs lacked sufficient resources to meet all the needs of domestic violence victims in their communities. The report shows that programs were unable to meet 1,170 requests in just one 24-hour period. Over two-thirds of these requests were for emergency shelter or transitional housing, essential services for victims seeking safety and stability.
 
Each year, NNEDV conducts a 24-hour survey of local domestic violence programs across the US.  On September 12, 2012, domestic violence programs nationwide provided services to more than 60,000 adults and children in one day alone. In California, over 5,000 adults and children received services at domestic violence agencies across the state, and programs answered over 1,300 crisis hotline calls. The services provided included emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy to help survivors navigate the often confusing and complicated court system.
 
Sadly, because of lack of resources, programs were unable to provide these critical services to all victims in need. The unmet need detailed in the 2012 report echoes findings from prior years and other data sources.
 
The 1,170 unmet requests for services is a particularly troublesome number, and illustrates the need for increased funding to these vital programs. Tara Shabazz, executive director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, said that she hopes the report will be a wake-up call.

“Californians rely on domestic violence agencies to protect families and preserve public safety,” she said. “Too many domestic violence agencies lack sufficient resources to meet their communities’ needs. These programs must be supported at a level that reflects the importance of the life-saving services they provide.” 

Related Web Sites:  
Full National Domestic Violence Census Report: http://www.nnedv.org/resources/census/2012-report.html

# # #

For all media inquiries, please contact:

Bill Expanding Housing Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors Passes Senate Unanimously. May 2, 2013. Media Advisory.

Partnership Announces New Initiative to Treat Trauma in Victims of Violence: Pathways to Healing Project Funded Through a $25,000 Verizon Grant. Apr 16, 2013. Media advisory.

Groundbreaking Bill Passes Labor Relations Committee; California Lagging Behind in Domestic Violence Workplace Protections. Apr 10, 2013. Media Advisory.