‘We definitely need it’: Domestic violence survivor speaks on new victim assistance grant

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lancaster County Commissioners approved a new federal grant aimed at supporting survivors of domestic violence.

The funding is designed to expand services and give victims a real chance to rebuild.

“The stories I read just break my heart because I’m not alone, I know that,” said survivor Presley Marth. “I know a couple of people who have succumbed to domestic violence.”

For survivors like Marth, the new funding hits deeply.

“Unfortunately, I’ve experienced it way more than I would want anyone else to experience it,” she said.

Marth said she’s hopeful about the $45,618 grant as part of the “Stop Violence Against Women” Program.

It will help fund training for law enforcement, improve responses from advocates and strengthen support for victims navigating the courts.

Leaders said it’s all about making sure no one faces abuse alone.

For survivors across Lancaster County, Tuesday’s decision is deeply personal.

“That actually made my heart sing, we definitely need it, that’s needed 100%,” Marth said.

The new funding will also improve data sharing among agencies and support community education — a key piece of identifying warning signs earlier.

Something that Marth said is needed.

“You just don’t know until you go through it yourself, and you do not want to wish anybody to experience that because the world would be so much better if there were none.”

According to the Lincoln Police Department, there has been a 25% increase in violent crimes in Lincoln flagged as domestic in 2025, compared to the average from 2021 to 2024.

This year alone, four deaths in Lincoln have been caused by domestic violence.

A reminder that behind every number is a family, a story and a survivor fighting to rebuild.

“Any progress is progress,” Marth said, “I’m sure it will help a lot of people.”