Report on U.S. Department of Justice Budget Hearing: Impact on Domestic Violence Programs and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Senate Hearing

On June 25, 2025, a Senate hearing was held in Washington D.C. to review the fiscal year budget proposal for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee and original co-sponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022, questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding proposed funding cuts to programs supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Funding Reductions and Program Impact

The DOJ budget request for Fiscal Year 2026 proposes a reduction in funding for the Office on Violence Against Women from $713 million in FY 2025 to $505 million. Key areas affected by these cuts include:

• Transitional housing assistance
• Sexual assault services program
• Rural victims’ program

These programs were initially established under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which aims to protect and support survivors of domestic violence and their children.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Francine Garland Stark, Executive Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, emphasized the critical nature of these programs. She stated that a 30% cut to federal funds for domestic violence work in Maine would have immediate and devastating effects. Stark praised Senator Collins for advocating against these cuts, highlighting the importance of maintaining funding for such essential services.

Discussion on Budget Justifications

1. Senator Collins’ Inquiry: Senator Collins questioned Attorney General Bondi on the rationale behind the funding cuts, asking if the reductions were imposed by the Office of Management and Budget.
2. Attorney General Bondi’s Response: Bondi explained that the proposed budget includes $505 million dedicated to preventing and responding to violence against women. This amount encompasses $190 million allocated for grants to combat violence against women (STOP grants) and $60 million for sexual assault services. She described the budget as a compromise, acknowledging that while more funding would enable greater impact, the DOJ remains committed to supporting victims within the constraints of a leaner budget.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This budget discussion and the associated programs directly relate to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – By funding programs that combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, the DOJ supports efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, promoting gender equality and empowerment.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Providing services such as transitional housing and sexual assault support contributes to the physical and mental health and well-being of survivors.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Ensuring adequate funding for justice programs strengthens institutions that protect human rights and promote peaceful and inclusive societies.

Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, assistance is available:

• Statewide helpline: 1-866-834-HELP

Additional Information

For further details, the Senate hearing video is available for public viewing:

Copyright 2025 WABI. All rights reserved.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article focuses on issues related to violence against women, domestic violence, and sexual assault, which are central to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article discusses funding for the Department of Justice programs aimed at preventing and responding to violence, which relates to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5 Targets:
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (implied by the focus on protecting women and children from violence).
2. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Funding Levels for Violence Prevention Programs: The article mentions specific budget amounts allocated to the Office on Violence Against Women, including $505 million overall, $190 million for grants to combat violence against women, and $60 million for sexual assault services. These funding levels can serve as indicators of governmental commitment and resource allocation towards the targets.
2. Number of Survivors Supported: Although not explicitly stated, the article implies that reductions in funding would impact the availability of services such as transitional housing assistance, sexual assault services, and rural victims’ programs. Tracking the number of survivors receiving these services would be an important indicator.
3. Legislative Actions and Program Implementation: The article references the Violence Against Women Act and its reauthorization, which can be linked to indicators measuring the enactment and effectiveness of laws and programs aimed at reducing violence against women.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wabi.tv