 Financial problems and domestic violence go hand-in-hand. Wild Iris advocacy group is reporting a steady rise in the number of victims seeking help as the economy spirals. Now, Wild Iris will have to handle the increased case load with 20 percent fewer funds. Photo courtesy of SDSU By Mike Bodine
Register Staff
8-4-09 Following lawmakers’ passage of the new state budget, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wielded his mighty veto pen July 28 to slash even more funding from domestic violence shelters and health coverage for the state’s low-income children.
The governor line-item vetoed the Department of Public Health’s Domestic Violence Program and its $20 million which funds the 94 domestic violence shelters statewide, including the only shelter serving the Eastern Sierra, Wild Iris.
These shelters are often the only barrier between victims and grave physical violence, according to Penni Brown, Domestic Violence Program manager for Wild Iris.
Brown said the cut will equal the removal of at least $200,000 from Wild Iris’ budget. She added the cuts are permanent, and the money will not to be paid back.
Brown said she recently listened in on a very sad conference call with other shelters in the state, many announcing they would be closing their doors following the cuts. They simply have no other choice, Brown said.
Wild Iris is fortunate to also receive federal funding as it offers sexual assault programs too, but the state funding was about 20 percent of the organization’s budget.
Brown explained that it is still too early to determine where the cuts will be implemented, but she noted Wild Iris “remains dedicated” to serving those in need from Death Valley to the Nevada state line.
Since July 2008, Wild Iris has responded to 297 calls through its 24/7 hot line, the only one in the area, and provided 685 counseling sessions and 165 emergency shelter bed nights to 21 families facing domestic violence.
Wild Iris also provides emergency housing, food and clothing that are vital for someone leaving an abusive relationship, Brown explained.
There has been a steady line of victims seeking help this year, more than usual, Brown explained, adding that the sour economy is to blame.
Brown said Wild Iris is usually busy from February through April, but she said that this year, there’s been no slow-down, “and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon.”
Inyo County Sheriff Bill Lutze agreed that violence in all forms is on the rise in the county and can be linked to the economy.
“It’s a fact that money issues are at the root of divorce and even domestic violence,” Lutze said, “Mix that with alcohol …” and the situation is not pretty.
Lutze explained that turning to alcohol in tough times creates a cycle of abuse, as money is spent on spirits instead of essentials and when essentials are needed, more anxiety is created because there is no money. The anxiety leads to more alcohol consumption.
“Somehow that circle needs to be broken, Lutze said. “But taking away from programs that help, like Wild Iris” is just going to create more problems.
Brown added that fewer victims are leaving abusive relationships because they can’t afford to move, which can compound problems further.
“Anytime there are cutbacks it really hurts those most in need. What will end up happening is law enforcement, Health and Human Services, Child Protective Services and Wild Iris will all have to work harder. But we’ll keep striving to do the best we can and try and meet the needs of the people,” said Bishop Police Chief Kathleen Sheehan.
Lutze said that the cuts will be “widely felt” as it will limit law enforcement’s ability to assist victims who need a safe house. Lutze added that the cuts will undoubtedly limit the organization’s education and outreach programs – which he calls “prevention” – and increase the caseload.
Many domestic violence crimes are considered “wobblers,” Lutze explained, meaning they can be either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the circumstances. However, the state’s plan to reduce prison populations is to reduce all “wobblers” to misdemeanors, meaning county jails will be left to foot the bill for these offenders.
In light of the cuts, Brown said Wild Iris will start getting “more creative” when looking for funding sources. She hopes private donors will step forward to help fill some of the gaps. Wild Iris is even asking private donors to give directly to victims.
Brown added that she has heard of plans for a future bill or law that would guarantee money to shelters. But for now, the shelters and victims will have to make do.
Despite the funding cuts, Brown said, “we’re still going to be here, we may just look a little different.”
There may be additional relief available to domestic violence victims from the state’s unemployment people, the Employment Development Department. As stated in the EDD handbook, “Individuals who are unemployed or unable to work due to domestic violence abuse may be eligible for partial wage replacement benefits from the EDD …”
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