‘I am not the only one’: Domestic violence survivor speaks out against DV/SA funding freeze

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The new legislative session started on Wednesday, but organizations that support domestic violence survivors said they’re starting the year with more questions than answers.

Since last summer, the state withheld $3 million per year in funding approved under LB621, money that many centers said they had already built into their budgets.

The Hope Crisis Center said it could lose more than $100,000 a year, forcing cuts to shelter space, counseling and legal help.

In a post on Facebook, they said: Hope Crisis Center, as well as other DV/SA organizations across the state, are going to struggle in 2026 and the years to come.

Organizations alike are hoping senators will change their minds and restore full funding.

But for those experiencing domestic violence, safety can be a race against time.

“I basically have to show up with a backpack, and my daughter, and just hope that they can help me; other than that, I don’t know where I’m going,” said domestic violence survivor, Presley Marth.

Marth said she has until January 15 to find a new place to live after coming out of a domestic violence situation.

She’s selling most of her belongings to achieve that goal.

“I am not the only one, and there are so many children having to suffer because of the lack of help,” Marth said.

Michelle Harris, a former domestic violence advocate, said, “Domestic violence survivors are in danger, a lot of the perpetrators get out, and where do they go? Right back to the person they were hurting.”

Meanwhile, survivors like Marth are making impossible choices.

“I didn’t want to be a victim, and I didn’t want to be a survivor, but here I am so.”