Funding crisis forces domestic violence hotline to cut hours, leaving survivors without overnight support

Summary

Domestic violence services are facing a severe funding crisis as federal grants remain withheld, forcing organizations like Our Sister's House in Pierce County, Washington — which has one of the highest rates of domestic violence — to cut critical services including their 24-hour hotline. Survivors now cannot reach help overnight or on weekends. The 19th investigated the impact by reaching out to over 250 domestic violence shelters and organizations that have received federal grants, revealing a systemic funding gap that endangers vulnerable individuals seeking safety and support.