California sacrifices ounce of prevention...$500 million

Current economic challenges have forced difficult choices. Los Angeles City Attorney Eve Sheedy says "When you take the cost of arresting, trying and incarcerating for serious physical crime and homicide, and comparing it to shelters, we're getting an unbelievable cost benefit." Although state budgets are tight, only a handful of states recommended cuts to domestic violence prevention programs. Sadly, California was one of thosse states. Our legislators approved a 20% cut across the board to programs funded by the Department of Public Health. Not just speaking figuratively here, I'm embarrased our governor ADDED INSULT TO INJURY by invoking line item veto completely slashing state funding for all Dept. of Public Health programs...FIVE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS. That was California's share in the ounce of prevention!
While families impacted pay the human costs, and the costs Ms. Sheedy spoke of in terms of arrest, trial and incarceration cannot be accurately measured, according to the National Institute on Domestic Violence, the cost to the US Workplace is 67 Billion dollars annually. These costs include 1,750,000 lost work days, tardiness, loss of productivity and 5 billion in direct medical costs. Of that 67 billion dollar annual cost, we can only imagine California's share is. This isn't rocket science...California's percentage of the national economy is significant. Obviously its multiple billions. Sue Else, President of the National Network to End Domestic Violence called our governor's action "RECKLESS".
Eliminating California's share in the ounce of prevention will have a ripple effect on the cost of the pound of cure, in California and across the country for years to come. Like many other states, California has achieved a reduction in crime statistics resulting from dv since Nicole Brown Simpson's execution brought awareness to the forefront. Progress achieved was bought with BLOOD, with the stroke of a pen, California's light and example fade under the guise of budget.
Shelters are left scrambling for funding from foundations and private contributors to keep their doors open. Several have already closed, dozens more are teetering on the brink of closure. Since August 7th, 6 victims with 8 children have been turned away in Madera County where the only option for these moms and their traumatized children is the local resuce mission, which houses mostly single men and offers NO protection.
Now more than ever, the non-profit organizations operating shelters need community support. Fortunately, California is not one of the states that considers domestic violence a pre-existing condition in terms of insurance. Employee Assistance programs can be enhanced to include prevention programs, just as they serve those overcoming drug, alcohol or gambling addictions. Survivor On A Mission is working with under-funded shelter partners to assist corporations in making these enhancements. As they extend their expertise and services (for which they cannot advertise) they will be compensated by corporate fees funneled back to participating, advising agencies.
Survivor On A Mission seeks strategy and sequencing expertise to deliver and refine valuable service to California at this most critical time in our history. September 25th is the 3rd Annual National Day of Remembrance, honoring lives lost through homicide. Memorial events are taking place across the country. In Los Angeles, join me at 500 W. Temple in the Plaza area behind the Hall of Administration at 11AM. Your positive thoughts and energy are appreciated. Awareness is the first step in safety. The National DV Hotline is available to answer your questions at 1-800-799-SAFE.