October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It’s a time to recognize and honor survivors, raise awareness, and take meaningful actions that help survivors heal and thrive in safe and supportive communities. This year, however, comes with renewed urgency. The state of Massachusetts is facing a proposed $7 million cut to sexual and domestic violence services under the Department of Public Health line item in the FY2026 budget. This represents a 10% decrease that would significantly impact survivor services throughout the state.
The Second Step is a proud member of Jane Doe Inc. (JDI), the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Together, we are fighting back against these budget cuts, which would endanger the safety and wellbeing of survivors across our state.
Why This Matters
A 10% reduction in funding could significantly limit our ability to provide critical services. For The Second Step these cuts mean fewer resources for:
- Legal representation, advocacy, and assistance for restraining orders and custody cases
- Prevention programming and public education to stop violence before it starts
- Trauma-informed counseling and community-based advocacy
- Emergency funds to help stabilize survivors fleeing violence
We are already operating in a challenging environment. The demand for services is rising, and survivors are facing greater barriers than ever. Reduced funding would limit our ability to meet the growing need in our communities.
A Week to Take Action: October 20–24
In response, The Second Step and our partners across the state are recognizing the week of October 20 as the DVAM Budget Week of Action. Led by JDI, we are mobilizing to call attention to this crisis and urge the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor Maura Healey to act to restore and protect survivor services in a supplemental budget.
How You Can Help: Join us for the DVAM Budget Week of Action
Join us this week to advocate for critical funding and support for survivors. Each day focuses on a simple, powerful way you can make a difference. Together, our voices can drive real change!
Monday, Oct 20: Day of Awareness- Spread the Word!
Goal: Build momentum and get our message out far and wide.
How to participate:
- Follow and share our posts on Facebook and Instagram
- Repost or share one of our graphics using hashtags #survivorsweekofaction and #DVAM
- Tag three friends and challenge them to join the movement!
- Tip: Share why this cause matters to you
Tuesday, Oct 21: Call or Email the Governor
Goal: Let the Governor know this funding matters to our communities.
How to participate:
- Call: 617-725-4005 (Constituent Services Phone Line – Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Email: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office
- Use this script: “I’m reaching out to ask for your support in restoring critical funding for DPH Line 4513-1136: Sexual and Domestic Violence Services in a supplemental budget or any other vehicle. The final budget that is on your desk includes an approximate $7m cut to domestic violence and sexual assault services and is much lower than what you requested in your budget. Cuts to DPH funding would significantly impact survivor services throughout the state. Please consider all possible options to fund DPH Line 4513-1136 at a minimum of $79,861,840. Thank you for your support”
Wednesday, Oct 22: Call or Email your Legislator
Goal: Make sure your representatives know their constituents care.
How to participate:
- Find your legislators here: malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
- Call or email using this script:
- “I’m reaching out to ask for your support in restoring critical funding for DPH Line 4513-1136: Sexual and Domestic Violence Services in a supplemental budget or any other vehicle. We are appreciative of the legislature’s investment in services for sexual and domestic violence in years past. However, the final FY26 budget includes an approximate $7 million cut to domestic and sexual violence services. We ask that if a supplemental budget moves through the legislature, or any other comparable vehicle, that you act to restore this critical funding to DPH 4513-1136 at a minimum of $79,861,840. Thank you for your support”
Thursday, Oct 23: Continue to Spread the Word
Goal: Keep the momentum going and show solidarity.
How to participate:
- Encourage friends and coworkers to post or take action if they haven’t yet.
- Follow our updates from the Press Conference at the State House
Friday, Oct 24: Final Push – Share Stories and Celebrate Action
Goal: End the week strong by reflecting and inspiring others.
How to participate:
- Post about what you did this week and inspire others to join you.
- If you haven’t had a chance to contact the governor or your legislators, it’s not too late! Every message makes a difference.
- If you haven’t had a chance to post yet, it’s not too late! Share or like The Second Step content from the week or create your own.
- Share why this cause matters and how you’ve seen it impact your community.
- Tag us so we can highlight your post!
Why Your Voice Matters
The path to safety and healing for survivors is already difficult. For many, The Second Step is a lifeline. Access to our services can mean the difference between staying in an abusive situation or finding safety, between isolation or empowerment, between trauma and recovery.
If these cuts go through, lives will be put at risk.
We recognize that this is a tough year for state budgets. But balancing the books on the backs of survivors is not the answer. Instead, we urge Governor Healey and the Legislature to fully restore the $7 million in funding and commit to preserving and strengthening services that protect some of our most vulnerable residents.
We Need You With Us
The Second Step stands in partnership with JDI and countless organizations, survivors, and advocates who are saying: Enough. We must not allow these critical programs to be diminished when they are needed most.
Join us during DVAM Budget Week of Action. Show up. Call in. Speak out. Together, we can ensure that survivors have the support they need. Please help us send a clear message: Massachusetts must continue to lead in the fight against domestic violence.