As Domestic Violence Month draws to a close, we must all remember the words spoken this week by President Barack Obama as he recognized the responsibility of state and federal government to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence and enable survivors to break the cycle of abuse.
“We’ve come a long way from the days when domestic violence was too often viewed as a lesser offense. Laws have been passed and attitudes have changed,” the President said during a press event. “But there is still work that needs to be done on behalf of victims of domestic violence.”
This month, the N.C. Council for Women processed more than $4.6 million in domestic violence grants to 102 agencies across our state to help survivors reclaim their lives. Local programs will provide safe shelter to women who need to leave abusive homes, as well as emotional support and job-skills training to help women address challenging financial barriers.
These grants are part of more than $7.2 million in total awards that will be provided to local agencies to help abused and disadvantaged North Carolina women get back on their feet and achieve success. Directing these recourses locally, where advocates are familiar with the needs of their community, will ensure that services are available when victims of violence and abuse need it most.
We thank President Obama and Gov. Bev Perdue for their commitments to break the cycle of violence through support of meaningful aid and programs. We take seriously our role of serving North Carolina women in need and appreciate the faith and financial resources entrusted to us to ensure better futures for women who deserve them.