Domestic, Sexual Violence Survivors At Risk In Somerset County After Federal Cuts

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Since 1978, Safe+Sound Somerset has been providing trauma services and education to thousands of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and their families.

Now they are facing a significant financial crisis due to federal funding reductions, with $1.2 million to be cut over the next 12 months.

"It's about a third of our budget, where we anticipate that that could impact services for 2,100 survivors across Somerset County," said Safe+Sound Somerset CEO Michele Boronkas. "That is, quite frankly, life-threatening."

The nonprofit organization provides safety and security services and stability to 7,000 survivors a year.

The funding cuts mean that "our Safe House services won't be able to hold as many survivors that call us. It means our legal team won't be able to respond to everyone that goes to court looking for a restraining order. It means that those that are seeking housing so they can have safety away from the person who does the harm with their family won't have access to support in order to make sure they can secure safe housing."

The cuts will also impact their 24/7 hotline, which gets about 4,200 calls a year.

"We are facing a really, really grim time," said Boronkas.

The federal funding reductions represent the largest series of cuts in Safe and Sound Somerset’s history.

"The withdrawal of federal (and subsequently state and local) funding will diminish the quality of life as more residents are unable to access the safety, health and mental wellness, and childcare services that support them," said Boronkas. "We are at the beginning of a major deterioration of quality of life for everyone when we cannot systemically shift the way we support communities that have been supported with social infrastructure by design for more than 50 years."

The organization warns that without immediate and sustained financial support, including donations from businesses, faith communities, and local institutions, Safe and Sound Somerset will be forced to make painful choices about which services can continue and at what capacity.

A Call to Action: How You Can Help

Safe and Sound Somerset is launching an urgent fundraising campaign to bridge the gap and ensure continuity of vital services. The organization is seeking immediate support from:

• Individual donors who can contribute to emergency funds
• Business partners willing to sponsor or underwrite programs or match donations
• Faith groups and civic organizations prepared to rally their members and join our Community Action Teams
• Elected officials who will advocate for the restoration of life-saving funding at every level

"It is both our greatest pride and our deepest concern to represent Somerset County on a national stage," said Boronkas. "We call on everyone who values a safe and just community to stand with us, to give generously, and to help us continue leading with courage and compassion."

For more information or to donate, visit safe-sound.org or facebook.com/safesoundsomerset.

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Correction: An incorrect number of calls to the nonprofit's hotline was corrected.