Budget Cuts & Domestic Violence Programs

The state is looking into how it should fund domestic violence prevention and treatment programs in Michigan.

And they’re getting public feedback in Marquette on what they should do.

The Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention & Treatment Board was in Marquette.

It’s the first of 4 meetings across the state to see if people think the way the state funds domestic violence shelters and programs should be changed.

The board distributes all federal and state funding related to domestic violence to local programs.

Those who attended represented area service groups, including the Women’s Center in Marquette.

Center director Merrilee Keller says they need more funding, not less, because the Harbor House shelter is full and they recently had to send 4 families that needed help to Delta County to get it.

The board also has a survey out on domestic violence funding to get public input.

You can find it online at: michigan.gov/domesticviolence , and also at the Women’s Center offices on Front Street.