1/27/2010 -

( Atlanta ) Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are suffering disproportionately from the economic downturn – their own resources as well as services at domestic violence and sexual assault programs are increasingly limited. Over two hundred fifty advocates and concerned citizens from across Georgia converged at the state Capitol for Stop Violence Against Women Day. Struggling against a proposed budget cut of $300,000 for the remainder of the 2010 fiscal year as well as an additional $300,000 cut for the upcoming 2011 fiscal year, domestic violence shelters and sexual assault centers programs lobbied their local legislators to stop cutting these critical funds. After speaking with their local legislators, this diverse group including judges, law enforcement officers, medical personnel, advocates, friends and family of victims, and survivors gathered in the rotunda of the Capitol, where three speakers told their personal stories about being affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

Sasha Smith, the first speaker, lost her sister, Tiana Notice, last Valentine’s Day, when her sister’s ex-boyfriend murdered her. Soon after her sister’s tragic death, Ms. Smith and her father founded the Tiana Notice Foundation. Their organization works with local domestic violence shelters to provide financial resources and surveillance equipment to women who feel they need it to build their cases against stalkers or violent partners. Ms. Smith told the crowd how essential domestic violence and sexual assault services truly are for those experiencing violence. The youngest speaker, Viviana Aguilera, witnessed abuse in her home and now is an educator for her peers, trying to end the violence so that other children do not have to experience it. Speaker Langston Walker focused on men’s role in ending violence against women. “Now is the time for men to rise up and stand with women to help end the suffering millions feel because of domestic violence and sexual assault. Now is the time for men to challenge and encourage other men to be better while striving to be better ourselves. Now is the time to tell men and boys that you can’t physically or sexually assault women and claim to love or respect them,” said Mr. Walker.

Dr. Kirsten Rambo, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, said, “We come here every year because we need everyone to understand how domestic violence and sexual assault affect entire communities. All three of our speakers here today have suffered because of violence against women. We must act to end this violence.” Sexual assault centers in Georgia provide a number of direct services to victims of sexual assault, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, medical accompaniment for forensic exams, as well as ongoing counseling and support. Sexual assault centers are often the first point of access a victim has to getting help after an assault. These agencies work as valuable community collaborators with hospitals, law enforcement, district attorneys, courts, and family members of the victim. Domestic violence agencies offer shelter to nearly 8,000 women and children each year who are fleeing abuse. These agencies also provide other services such as legal advocacy, support groups, transitional housing, and a confidential 24-hour crisis hotline to thousands more. Yet, each budget cut they receive threatens to diminish or eliminate these critical services. Already, almost 3,000 women and children needing shelter from violence are turned away each year due to a lack of space.

Stop Violence Against Women Day, now in its 11th year, allows Georgia citizens and their legislators to play a critical role in ending violence against Georgia ’s women. Three statewide organizations sponsored the events – the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault – along with Caminar Latino, Men Stopping Violence, and Raksha. All of these organizations strive to bring communities together to end violence against women.