Domestic violence funding easily passes through judiciary panels
Funding domestic violence programs like shelter, legal aid and and counseling serves as a critical strategy for reducing child abuse and neglect, Sen. Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe) told the Senate Judiciary Committee in January. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM)
Twin proposals to fund domestic violence services in New Mexico have sailed through their initial committees, but await approval to be included in the state budget.
Senate Bill 191 would set aside $10 million to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission for community-based domestic violence programs. Its companion bill in the other chamber is House Bill 216.
The bills have each passed unanimously through their respective committees dealing with New Mexico's judicial branch; SB191 got through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 31 and HB216 passed the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 6. Both await hearings in budget committees.
Domestic violence services are not available in all counties, making it necessary for some survivors living in rural areas to travel as much as 90 miles to receive them, according to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission's analysis of SB191. In places where services exist, they're inadequately funded to meet survivors' needs, the Commission wrote.
Funding domestic violence programs like shelter, legal aid and and counseling serves as a critical strategy for reducing child abuse and neglect, co-sponsor Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe) told the Senate Judiciary Committee in January.
Those services give survivors a better chance at escaping dangerous situations and provide a stable and safe environment for their children, she said.
Trujillo cited studies showing that children who witness domestic violence develop a higher risk of experiencing abuse themselves and suffering long-term emotional and development harm.
'By investing in these programs, we not only protect survivors but also break the cycles of violence, reducing the number of children entering the welfare system,' she said. 'This is a proactive, cost-effective approach that prioritizes safety, stability and stronger families.'
MaryEllen Garcia, CEO of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said the 32 shelter programs she represents are operating at a 'funding deficit' and haven't received a state funding boost in five years, despite a 44.7% increase in shelter nights provided since 2023, and a 53% increase in crisis calls since 2020.
'We are at a critical time — I'm sure you all are aware of what's happening nationally — and we are in jeopardy of receiving massive funding cuts because of the type of work we do,' Garcia said at the Senate Judiciary hearing. 'It's imperative that we secure and lean into our values as a state, ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are receiving services.'
House Bill 57, co-sponsored by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) would create a program for attorneys to represent domestic violence survivors, and SB191 could provide the funding for that work, according to the Commission. That legislation awaits a hearing in the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee.
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