In a pivotal session held on February 26, 2024, the Maryland General Assembly's PST Committee convened to address pressing issues surrounding funding for victim services and domestic violence programs. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as advocates from various organizations presented their cases for increased financial support, highlighting the growing needs of vulnerable populations in the state.

Lisa Jordan, representing the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, opened the discussion by expressing concern over a significant funding shortfall for crisis centers, which had dropped from $3.8 million to $3 million. She attributed this decrease to a potential oversight regarding federal funding allocations and urged the committee to rectify the situation, emphasizing the critical role these centers play in supporting victims.

Alicia Bicoff from HANAH, a domestic violence and elder abuse agency, echoed these sentiments, reporting a staggering 92% increase in service calls since fiscal year 2022. Bicoff underscored the dire need for stable funding, as many victims now face compounded challenges, including housing instability and legal issues. She called for the reinstatement of competitive funding processes to ensure all victim service providers can access necessary resources.

The session also featured testimony from Wendy Myers of the Maryland Children's Alliance, who advocated for the restoration of funding for child advocacy centers. Myers pointed out that despite a recent increase in funding, proposed cuts would significantly hinder the ability of these centers to serve the thousands of children affected by abuse and exploitation. She requested an additional $250,000 to help meet the rising demand for services.

Melanie Shapiro from the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence highlighted alarming statistics, noting over 630 calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline in January alone. She stressed the importance of reliable funding for domestic violence programs, which are essential for providing timely support to victims.

Amanda Rodriguez from Turnaround, a comprehensive domestic violence provider, shared her organization's struggles with funding and staffing, exacerbated by a recent policy change that shifted reimbursement schedules from monthly to quarterly. This change has created financial strain, making it difficult for organizations to maintain operations and support victims effectively.

Adam Rosenberg from LifeBridge Health concluded the testimonies by emphasizing the interconnectedness of violence-related services and the critical need for sustained funding. He advocated for the continued support of the Victims of Crime Act Fund, which plays a vital role in the state's response to violence.

As the session wrapped up, committee members acknowledged the challenges faced by these organizations and the importance of addressing funding gaps to ensure the safety and support of Maryland's most vulnerable residents. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to advocating for the necessary resources to combat domestic violence and support victims across the state.