Press Release: Utah Lawmakers Face Backlash for Domestic Violence Funding Cuts
Salt Lake City, UT (KUTV) — During this year’s legislative session, critical funding requests for domestic violence initiatives were unexpectedly denied, shocking advocates, including the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. With shelters underfunded, victims are left vulnerable.
Two lawmakers have stepped forward to rectify the situation. One introduced a Request for Appropriation for victims of strangulation, while the other passed legislation to identify potentially lethal relationships. Both lawmakers acknowledged a failure to prioritize domestic violence funding.
State Senator Todd Weiler admitted, "This one got left short this year… very unacceptable." Investigative reports highlighted chilling domestic violence cases, including the brutal attack on Joni Meikel, who survived a life-threatening assault by her boyfriend, Kaden Beckstrom. Tragically, Mayra Catalan Dimas did not survive; her haunting story underscores the urgent need for funding.
Rep. Cheryl Acton expressed frustration that her $260,000 request for strangulation forensic exams was withdrawn late in the budget process, despite evidence of their importance. She also aimed to secure $1.4 million for shelters, which were also rejected. Both lawmakers pledge to examine budget shortfalls and demand a reevaluation of domestic violence funding in the next session.
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