In the midst of sexual assault awareness month, Petersburg’s advocacy organization for victims of assault and domestic violence has learned it may have to cut staff and programs because of a reduction in federal funding.
The local non-profit Working Against Violence for Everyone, or WAVE, provides resources and education for victims and their families. It was among the organizations around the state notified April 1st by Alaska’s Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to expect a cut of around 33 percent to grants that pay for services. That money comes from federal legislation called the Victims Of Crime Act, or VOCA. It’s financed by fines and penalties paid by offenders.
Joe Viechnicki spoke with WAVE executive director Annette Bennett about the reduction in funding and what that will mean.
People can donate to WAVE through the organization’s website or Facebook page or with a check sent to post office box 415.
