COVID-19 Jeopardizes Critical Funding for Domestic Violence Programs
Nevada, June 2020 - As our communities and economy begin to slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are adding up the financial impact and bracing for more challenges personally and across our cities, counties, and the state.
Marsy’s Law for Nevada seeks to ensure the rights of crime victims are being upheld across the Silver State, and we work to support the efforts of impactful advocacy organizations and agencies which provide much-needed guidance and support for victims. Marsy’s Law for Nevada Executive Director, Lynda Tache says, “COVID-19 has taken a toll on our health and welfare, and police agencies in various cities report it has also sparked a rise in domestic violence and calls for assistance. Now more than ever, our advocacy agencies need financial support to meet the demand, and yet, COVID could result in a loss of critical funds, which we fear could result with more victims.”
Among the offices closed for weeks to reduce the spread of COVID was the Marriage License Bureau. Offices statewide normally see thousands of “happy couples” getting their licenses each month. A portion of the price for a marriage license is earmarked for domestic violence and sexual assault organizations and specific resources. Per state law 15-percent of the revenue received from the Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau, and similar offices statewide, is divided among advocacy agencies. Projected revenues had been set at $3 million dollars to be divided. Now, these funds could be reduced, putting some internal programs at risk, further impacting victims.
“Marriage license funding was established in 1982 to provide base funding for local domestic violence programs. This funding is in jeopardy as are the life-saving services it funds,” says Sue Meuschke, Executive Director of the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. She goes on to say, “While many of us have stayed home to stay safe, home is not safe for everyone.”
In response, the Division of Child and Family Services and NCEDSV are sharing information about a fundraising drive for Nevada domestic violence organizations Friday, June 26th, called “Say I Do Nevada”. Visit www.NCEDSV.org/IDoNV for details on donations.
Information about resources available and concerns as a result of COVID will be the focus of an informational effort by Marsy’s Law for Nevada in June, July, and August on our social media pages. A statewide list of RESOURCES and assistance organizations can be found on the Marsy’s Law for NV website in the RESOURCES drop-down tab.
Marsy’s Law for Nevada Guarantees Crime Victims:
• The right to receive information about their rights, and the services available to crime victims.
• Right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process.
• Right to be notified of a defendant’s impending release, and be protected from the defendant.
• Right to notice of all public proceedings in the case.
• Right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case.
• Right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case.
• Right to full and timely restitution.
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History of Marsy’s Law
The effort is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in California in 1983. A week later he was released pending his court proceedings and went face to face with the victim’s family, who had no idea he was out of jail. Today her family is working to secure a voice and protection for victims and their families, nationwide. Individual Marsy’s Law measures have now been approved in twelve states: California, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Nearly 140-million people, or 40-percent of all Americans, now receive protected rights under Marsy’s Law.
About NCEDSV
The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is the statewide coalition of domestic and sexual violence programs and works with providers of services for survivors of domestic violence by advocating for the prevention and elimination of domestic and sexual violence throughout the state. NCEDSV provides statewide advocacy, education, and support for the front-line organizations that help those impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Visit NCEDSV.org.
Marsy’s Law Media Contacts
Deborah Clayton & Kim Schofield
NV.MarsysLaw.US Facebook & Twitter
#VictimsRightsNV @MarsysLawforNV
www.MarsysLawforNV.com
NCEDSV Communications Dept.
775-828-1115
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