Oklahoma Crisis Shelters Struggle with Increasing Demand and Funding Shortages
Oklahoma crisis shelters are facing a major challenge as demand for their services continues to rise while funding shortages persist. The state, which already has some of the highest rates of domestic violence in the nation, is grappling with an overwhelming surge in the number of victims seeking help.
Eileen Meadows, the director of Oklahoma Crisis Control, a Durant-based crisis shelter for domestic violence victims, has witnessed this uptick in demand firsthand. She explains that the combination of increased service demand and rising costs has been incredibly overwhelming for their organization. Meadows goes on to say that they already operate on a tight budget and are understaffed and underpaid, which has resulted in staff turnover.
Service providers across the state are reporting similar struggles. Kelsey Samuels, from the Community Crisis Center in Miami, shares that they have seen a nearly 50% increase in the number of victims served over the past four years, with a 60% increase in calls. These providers are now urging lawmakers to allocate more funding for shelters and crisis centers to address this growing crisis.
The scarcity of resources is especially noticeable in rural areas of Oklahoma, where one agency often serves multiple counties. According to Samuels, victim service agencies are in dire need of additional funding to meet the increased demand for services and cover operational expenses due to the rising cost of living.
Oklahoma currently ranks first in the nation for domestic violence rates and second in the number of women killed by men. The most recent report from the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board reveals that 118 people lost their lives as a result of domestic violence in 2021 alone.
Several factors contribute to the recent surge in demand for services. Victims are emerging from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased awareness campaigns have encouraged more individuals to seek help. This has put even more strain on already stretched resources.
To make matters worse, the closure of the primary nonprofit advocacy association, The Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, has left service providers scrambling to regroup. This coalition played a crucial role in securing federal funding, providing training, and advocating for domestic violence victims at the state Capitol. In response, 32 state-certified providers have formed a new coalition called End Violence Oklahoma to continue their training and legislative efforts.
While providers receive a portion of approximately $7 million in funding from the Attorney General’s Office, including $3 million added by the Legislature last year, it is still insufficient to meet the demand. According to Tara Tyler, the executive director for the Survivor Resources Network in Ponca City, an additional $10 million is needed to ensure adequate funding for all certified agencies. As more shelters open, the available funding will have to be divided even further.
Many advocates are pointing out that neighboring states allocate considerably more funds to domestic violence prevention programs. For instance, Kansas recently provided $18.4 million in state funding for such programs, while Texas allocated $65.3 million last year.
There is hope that the Oklahoma Legislature will invest in prevention programs to help reduce domestic violence rates. Senator Roger Thompson, Chair of the budget committee, acknowledges the continuing need for sufficient funding to address this issue. However, the budget process for the next fiscal year is just beginning.
In conclusion, Oklahoma crisis shelters are struggling to meet the rising demand for their services as funding shortages persist. The state’s high rates of domestic violence and recent increase in victims seeking help have put a significant strain on resources. Service providers are calling on lawmakers to allocate more funding to address this urgent issue and adequately support victims. The closure of an advocacy association has further complicated the situation, but providers are forming a new coalition to continue their efforts. It is crucial for the state to invest in prevention programs to curb domestic violence rates and provide support to those in need.
