Hamilton offers amendment to increase funding for domestic violence prevention and treatment

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) today offered an amendment to House Bill 1001 – the Republican budget proposal – to increase the funding for Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment for the 2023-24 fiscal years. The amendment was adopted by a voice vote.

The amendment will increase the operating expense budget for domestic violence prevention and treatment programs from $5,000,000 to $8,000,000 per year over the next two years.

Hamilton offered the following statement regarding her successful amendment:

“I'm very grateful that this amendment was heard and adopted today, as domestic violence is a crisis that is continuing to get worse in Indiana. Rates of domestic violence – many incidents being fatal – have skyrocketed throughout the pandemic. Allocating additional funding to programs aiding survivors of domestic violence and working to prevent interpersonal violence is an effective way to help vulnerable Hoosiers. Many survivors of domestic violence find themselves in need of assistance with housing and utilities after leaving an abusive situation. Additional needs include relocation services, legal assistance, counseling and children's programming. This additional funding will help us ease some of the burdens survivors face and help them get back on their feet. I'd like to thank my colleagues in the House for supporting this effort to curb domestic violence in our state and help the Hoosiers impacted by it.”