Funds allocated to prevent service interruptions for gender-based violence victims

By THE STAR STAFF

Women’s Advocate Astrid Piñeiro Vázquez announced on Thursday that a state allocation of $679,671.80 will ensure the continuation -- from January to June 2027 -- of services provided to victims and survivors of gender-based violence by organizations funded through the federal STOP Violence Against Women Act (STOP VAWA), program.

“Our organizations shouldn’t have to live in a state of constant anxiety, year after year, wondering if they will have the funds to keep their doors open on January 1st,” Piñeiro Vázquez stated in a written release. “By identifying and securing $679,671.80 in state funds, we are directly and immediately protecting those on the front lines who are saving lives.”

While the entities have federal funding to operate from July to December 2026, the limited availability of funds from the STOP VAWA program left the January-June 2027 period without financial guarantees.

The allocation, included in the current budget, will cover that period and sustain services such as advocacy, shelter, psychological support and legal representation, as well as the organizations’ personnel and operating expenses.

“Our administration’s institutional approach under this campaign is very clear: we want non-profit entities to focus 100 percent of their efforts, talent, and empathy on caring for victims and survivors of gender-based violence,” the women’s advocate said. “We do not want them wasting energy or valuable time worrying about whether they will have resources for the coming semester.”

Piñeiro Vázquez added that making the announcement in July allows organizations to plan their operations for the entire fiscal year in advance, rather than waiting until federal grants expire to find out if they can continue providing services.

“When a woman raises her voice to seek help, the State and its partner organizations must be ready to respond -- today, tomorrow, and next year -- without interruption,” she said.