It is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, calling attention to an issue affecting up to 12 million men, women and children in the nation every year.

In Nebraska, almost 34% of women and 28% of men experience some form of intimate-partner violence or stalking over their lifetime.

Lee Heflebower, domestic violence and economic justice specialist for the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, said rates of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Nebraska have changed very little over the past decade. One exception was during the COVID lockdown, when there was a spike. Although people tend to equate domestic abuse with physical abuse, Heflebower pointed out it can take a variety of forms.

"It could also include emotional abuse, financial abuse, technological abuse; we see that a lot now, with folks using tech to stalk people," Heflebower observed. "It's all to maintain power and control over their intimate partner."

During 2022, 24-hour crisis lines at domestic-violence programs across the state received 36,000 calls, and Heflebower noted direct support was provided to nearly 12,000 survivors, of which 94% were women and children. The coalition's 20 programs and four tribal programs cover every county in the state. The 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Heflebower emphasized when survivors decide to leave an abusive situation, they often lose both their housing and their financial support, adding economic abuse is one of the ways abusers try to keep their partner from leaving.

"They might interfere with or control a survivor's employment, might interfere with their ability to establish good credit," Heflebower outlined. "For example, (they) might take out loans with the survivor's name, and the survivor's not aware of that."

Survivors may struggle to regain financial stability, Heflebower stressed, and she pointed out domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness.

Heflebower reported rates are similar in urban and rural Nebraska, but leaving an abusive relationship in a rural community can present the extra challenge of having to relocate to a different town. She encouraged even people who are not sure if what they are experiencing is abuse to call, even if they are not ready to leave their situation.

"They can always reach out to one of the network programs," Heflebower advised. "Talk to somebody, get some assistance, talk about safety planning, or attend a support group. There's also programs available for their children. Our programs do a great job of getting survivors connected with anything that can help meet their needs."

The Nebraska Legislature is considering a bill that would provide nearly $1 million to help survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking pay for emergency housing.

Recent research shows that 1.4 million Nebraskans have reported some form of domestic or sexual violence in their lifetimes.

Jo Bair, executive director of the Encourage Advocacy Center in Hastings, said lack of access to safe and affordable housing is a primary barrier for survivors of sex trafficking and intimate partner violence, who are trying to escape abusive relationships.

"So," said Bair, "these survivors are having to weigh out, 'Do I stay in an unsafe situation, or do I leave and potentially become homeless, potentially have my children become homeless?'"

Bair added that people who've experienced domestic violence or sex trafficking have almost always suffered financial abuse. They're either prevented from working, or have had their work sabotaged.

They're often cut off from people who could help them, and have poor or no credit history.

The measure is currently pending in the Nebraska Legislative Revenue Committee.

Nebraska has passed legislation in the past designed to help victims of domestic violence, but Bair said LB 78 goes further, by bridging the cost and social service gap that has been left in the past.

"These are also funds that are going to be provided to people who are working with victim service agencies, who are doing extensive case management support to help ensure that there is sustainability," said Bair, "and that people are going to be able to support themselves after they have this initial help."

Critics of plans like the one proposed in LB 78 worry about people's ongoing dependence on the state for financial help.



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Service providers and advocacy groups in Ohio and across the country are facing uncertainty following recent executive orders that have thrown federal funding for crisis services into question.

Taylr Ucker-Lauderman, chief engagement officer at the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said her organization relies on these funds to provide critical support to victims of sexual violence.

"These have become services and programs and entire organizations that communities in Ohio have come to depend on for decades," she said. "So we're talking about emergency life-saving services for people in our communities"

A national survey found that while 58% of local sexual-assault programs reported an increased demand for services, 40% reported a decrease in funding. This funding uncertainty is raising concerns about the potential strain on other community resources such as hospitals and emergency services.

Even with recent updates indicating that the memo on the federal funding freeze has been rescinded, Ohio service providers say the impact remains significant.

"Whether there is a federal funding freeze or it is rescinded, this still causes challenges for providing crisis services to survivors," she said. "Our time right now is focused on making Plan B or Plan C. This week the services are truly being impacted and interrupted."

Advocates have warned that funding instability, even if temporary, disrupts service continuity and creates long-term challenges for organizations that rely on these resources. While the memo reversal provides some relief, providers say they remain cautious about the broader implications for Ohioans who depend on these critical services.

For crime survivors in Mississippi, the healing journey often begins with finding resources that can feel out of reach.

A $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice could make a difference as they rebuild their lives. The funds will ensure support for priority groups, including survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and underserved populations.

The Mississippi State Department of Health's Office Against Interpersonal Violence oversees the funds.

Cerissa Eubanks, grant administrator for the office, said they will focus on addressing barriers and providing critical support.

"To me, in my words, what this means, this is an avenue to help save someone that's been a victim of crime," Eubanks emphasized. "You may not be able to address all issues, but you have a path to start the process, and this path comes with funding."

The department, like many support providers, is still rebounding after the pandemic, when access to services decreased, even as the number of calls to places like domestic violence hotlines and shelters increased.

Eubanks explained collaboration lies at the heart of the initiative. The Health Department is encouraging nonprofits, for-profit companies and other organizations to apply if they have ways to provide more support services.

"If you're interested in working with victims and you meet the eligibility requirement, please apply for those funds so that we can offer more direct services to all victims of crime within the state of Mississippi," Eubanks urged.

She stressed the importance of partnerships with organizations like the Mississippi Domestic Violence Coalition and the Mississippi Sexual Assault Coalition, which complement or supplement traditional policing efforts. She added a wraparound approach to providing services reinforces the reality that no one agency can do it alone.


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