NEW ORLEANS - Last night's government shutdown caused the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to expire, putting in jeopardy programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault all across the country. In New Orleans, and throughout Louisiana, grants provided by VAWA are the major source of funding for victims' services.

Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno is urging the public to use their voice and contact members of Congress to push for an immediate resolution to the expiration of the VAWA.

"If this issue isn't resolved soon, I predict there will be a devastating impact to victims in New Orleans and all around our state. These programs provide life-saving services. Throughout my legislative career, on the state and local level, I've worked to help and protect victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. This is gut-wrenching to those of us who understand how critical these services are. I've been in frequent contact with Congressman Cedric Richmond, and I appreciate his tenacious leadership to find a solution," said Councilmember Moreno.

"This is an unfortunate example of how crucial programs and extraordinary providers that offer essential services get hurt in an unnecessary and immature shutdown. This is all over a wall that the President said Mexico was going to pay for. VAWA needs a long-term reauthorization and the Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House need to re-open government immediately," said U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond.

Local advocates and providers have reached out Councilmember Moreno and are expressing deep concern.

"With this government shutdown, the President is putting all services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims at risk of closing across the country. Once again he is showing his lack of support for women and vulnerable victims by letting the Violence Against Women Act expire without Re-authorization. This is shameful for our country," said Mary Claire Landry, Executive Director of the New Orleans Family Justice Center.

"STAR receives the majority of their funding (approximately 55%) from federal grants funding through the Violence Against Women Act. Without VAWA funding STAR could not provide the level of services, which includes free advocacy, counseling, and legal services, to sexual assault survivors," said Rachel Hebert, President & CEO of Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR).

According to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Louisiana continues to have one of the worst rates of domestic violence, ranking second highest in the nation for the number of women murdered by men.

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Contact:

Andrew Tuozzolo

Office of Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno

AVTuozzolo@nola.gov

504.281.9882