Action Item

[Trigger warning for sexual assault and domestic violence.]

Because the House Republicans aren't satisfied at merely attacking the right to choose and revictimizing survivors of sexual violence, they are also fixing to defund violence prevention, too.

Shaker Steph304 has alerted me to this action item for USians at the Family Violence Prevention Fund:

The House of Representatives is expected to make drastic cuts to domestic programs for Fiscal Year 2011. These proposed cuts would mean:

* Violence Against Women Health Initiative under HHS Office of Women's Health (which funds ongoing work to improve health care providers' response to domestic and sexual violence) would be eliminated;

* Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), which funds domestic violence shelters and the National Hotline, would be cut by $7 million, and the new initiative for children would be eliminated;

* Engaging Men and Youth in Prevention Program, which funds the Family Violence Prevention Fund's prevention work to tap into the critical role men can play in helping youth develop respectful attitudes and behaviors toward women and girls, would be cut.

Yes, you read that right. The GOP is actually seeking to defund programs that prevent sexual assault and domestic violence, by which children, women, and marginalized men are disproportionately victimized.

FVPF asks: "Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them to continue funding programs that protect women and children from violence and abuse." There are tips on what to say when you call or email here.

Find contact information for your representative here.