October 13, 2008

ATLANTA (AP) -- Budget cuts at Georgia's Department of Human Resources are being felt at domestic violence and rape crisis centers just as phones are ringing with reports of abuse in cash-strapped homes during the bad economy.

As part of Gov. Sonny Perdue's mandate for 6 percent budget cuts for most state agencies, DHR wiped out budget increases that would have gone to centers that help victims of rape and domestic violence.

It has sparked a concern for victims advocates who worry that violence crisis centers with already tight budgets are shouldering a disproportionate share of the budget burden.

DHR Commissioner B.J. Walker declined several requests by the Associated Press for an interview, but spokeswoman Taka Wiley says the department had little choice. She says a lot of agencies are just tightening their belt, adding: "this is just something that we have to do."

Beck Dunn, executive director of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, says the domestic violence center cuts, totaling $815,000, is forcing centers to lay off staff, cancel benefit plans and cut prevention programs.

Shawn Paul, president of the Georgia Network to End Sexual Violence, said sexual assault centers were expecting $635,000 from the state this year.

Instead, Paul says, they have had trouble finding the staff to operate 24-hour help hot lines and can no longer travel to victims.

There are 46 domestic violence shelters in Georgia which cover all 159 counties. The state does not have comprehensive coverage for rape crisis -- 25 centers for 129 counties.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)