How we talk about domestic violence directly impacts how lawmakers fund and prioritize it. If we frame it as a minor issue— if we refer to acts of abuse as “disputes” or “disagreements”— we get minor legislative responses. In a commentary piece published this morning by Globe Rhode Island, Sojourner House’s President and CEO, Vanessa Volz, wrote about the tragic consequences of viewing victim safety as a secondary issue.
“In the wake of tragedies, we say we care about public safety and that we want to prevent violence, but the budgets that follow tell a different story,” wrote Vanessa. “Budgets are not just about resources; they reflect what we value and prioritize. And right now, we are not prioritizing victim safety.”