The MOVA TRUST Line was not adopted into the legislature’s FY27 budget. There will be an opportunity for advocacy for funding in the supplemental budget in the fall of 2026 — stay tuned for more details. For now, Casa Myrna is budgeting for a $600,000 cut. You can help by donating to The Continuity Campaign.
Your advocacy could be worth $600,000. We are calling on our community during a critical moment.
We have mentioned reductions in our federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. We now know how deep that cut will be. Casa Myrna is facing a $600,000 cut starting in July. This amount is far higher than we originally expected, and without action, this loss will directly impact Casa Myrna services that survivors rely on every day. We, and many other organizations across the state, are at risk of losing funds for homelessness prevention, housing, legal advocacy, crisis intervention, and counseling services.
In light of the fact that federal funding to victim service programs is no longer reliable, the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) introduced the TRUST Line item that would provide $13.8 million in funding for fiscal year 2027.
Our advocacy for this budget line is just beginning, and we need your help to get it passed!
The House of Representatives declined to include the TRUST Line in its budget, but Sen. Michael Moore has sponsored an amendment that would include it in the Senate budget. The TRUST Line is amendment #240.
Please take action today:
With your voice, we can protect the resources survivors depend on. Thank you for standing with us.
Click here for more information on the TRUST line and a digital advocacy toolkit
Sample advocacy email:
Dear Senator ____________,
On behalf of Casa Myrna Vazquez, one of the largest providers of services to domestic violence victims in Massachusetts, I am asking you to support amendment #240, which would fund the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance’s TRUST Line.
As a result of continued cuts at the federal level, without the TRUST line, Casa Myrna will receive a $600,000 cut beginning in July. This cut will directly impact their ability to provide critical services for victims of domestic violence, including homelessness prevention, crisis intervention, counseling and legal advocacy. They will be forced to reduce staffing and services for victims from low-income and ethnic and racial minority groups throughout the Boston area. A vote for the TRUST Line is a commitment to public safety and equity.
I respectfully ask you to support victim services by supporting amendment #240 to fund the TRUST Line. Thank you for your time and thank you in advance for your standing with survivors.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
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Read books and articles, watch DVDs, and go to events to become more informed and connect with others engaged in the issue. Contact us for more information!
If you have a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor who is experiencing domestic violence, share the SafeLink hotline number at 877-785-2020. SafeLink advocates are available 24/7 to provide information, safety planning, help and referrals to shelter and supportive services.
Does your job, gym, place of worship or school have information available about domestic violence? Check to see if you can supply our brochures or SafeLink resource cards there. SafeLink cards contain the hotline number and a description of the services the hotline provides. You can order materials, download brochures, cards, and posters directly from our site.
Domestic violence thrives in the shadows. You can help break the silence by speaking up against domestic violence and saying that abuse is never acceptable.
Does your company have a policy to help victims stay safe at work? If not, speak to your employer about creating one! Casa Myrna’s Education and Outreach Manager can help you get started. Contact outreach@casamyrna.org for more information or to schedule a training.
The media represents a powerful tool for raising awareness about domestic violence and shifting public attitudes. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper to let him/her know that you are concerned about this issue. Read news about Casa Myrna and domestic violence here.
Plan a benefit to raise awareness among your fellow students during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, V-Day and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February, Take Back the Night in March, or any other month of your choosing. We will provide agency materials and, depending on availability, a staff member can offer a workshop on Domestic Violence 101 or a related topic. For more info, contact outreach@casamyrna.org.