Survivors and advocates urge $1.2 million base funding to stabilize domestic‑violence services

Sarah Robinson, representing the Vermont Network (the statewide coalition of domestic‑violence service providers), told the committees that Vermont's domestic and sexual violence special fund has been flat‑funded for 15 years and faces repeated shortfalls. Robinson said providers answered 22,000 hotline calls in 2024 and that the sector depends on about $12 million in federal funding, some programs relying on federal dollars for as much as 90% of their budgets.

"The fund currently supports $784,000 in expenses," Robinson said, and asked the legislature for an initial $1,200,000 in base funds as part of a long‑term plan that would bring the special fund toward a $5,000,000 annual target. She also requested a contingency fund that could be used if federal funds are eliminated.

Mahala Largent, testifying as a survivor of domestic violence, described emergency shelter, hotline and advocacy services she received from a local program (Circle) and urged preservation of those services. Largent said advocates helped her with relief from abuse orders, court accompaniment, emergency housing and financial supports that were critical to her safety and recovery.

Nut graf: Providers described an operating model that depends heavily on federal and special‑fund dollars; they urged the Legislature to shore up base funding to avoid service cuts and to create a contingency to maintain services if federal funding declines.

Ending: Witnesses said they would submit written testimony with additional detail and asked that the committees preserve and stabilize the domestic‑violence service network.