CALCASA Testifies in Support of an Ongoing Investment in Prevention

April 30, 2019 |
Valor

From Left: John L. Finley Public Policy Associate, Krista Niemczyk Public Policy Manager of The Partnership, Melodie Kruspodin, Prevention & Policy Director of Peace Over Violence, Assemblymember Shirley Weber, and Antonio Villaraigosa,former Assembly Speaker and Mayor of Los Angeles

Yesterday, CALCASA joined the Partnership in testifying before the Assembly Budget Committee in support of a $50 million ongoing investment to support domestic and sexual violence prevention programs in California.  We made the case for prevention by describing the tremendous costs already associated with sexual violence and reiterated our strong belief that California can be a leader in preventing abuse before it ever happens.
Investing in prevention makes sense as a wise long-term use of general fund dollars, and our local programs and communities are ready and willing to expand their prevention work if given the financial support from the State to do so. While we continue to advocate for an investment in prevention, it’s critical that we not go backwards on our funding of services, which is why the request also includes a reauthorization of funding to rape crisis centers.  Sexual assault is a serious issue in California, and if our budget is a reflection of our state’s values, then investing in the prevention of sexual assault must be a top priority.
 
For more information on our 2019 Campaign visit: calcasa.org/preventionworks