Without new state funding, Georgia domestic violence, sexual assault programs brace for the worst

Gov. Brian Kemp announces $300 million in budget cuts on May 12, 2026. Kemp defended the decision to sign a tax cut bill even though he said it meant making a few difficult choices on new spending. Also pictured is Richard Dunn, director of the governor's Office of Planning and Budget. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder) Gov. Brian Kemp announces $300 million in budget cuts on May 12, 2026. Kemp defended the decision to sign a tax cut bill even though he said it meant making a few difficult choices on new spending. Also pictured is Richard Dunn, director of the governor's Office of Planning and Budget. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)

By Ellie Fivas / Georgia Recorder June 24, 2026 7 min read

The two dozen beds at the Haven, a domestic violence shelter in Valdosta, Georgia, are almost never enough, according to Executive Director Michelle Girtman.

Rising demand for services and years of declining government support have left the South Georgia shelter — along with more than 50 domestic violence and sexual assault programs across the state — stretched thin.

A saving grace for these organizations seemed to arrive in April, when state legislators passed next year’s budget with an added $13 million in funding for domestic violence, sexual assault and child advocacy programs. Organizations rejoiced to see $9.4 million dedicated to helping people experiencing domestic violence and $3.3 million allocated for sexual assault services.

However, when the budget landed on Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk, he vetoed more than $300 million in new spending, including the additional funds for domestic violence and sexual assault services. Kemp made the cuts to help pay for an income tax package that lawmakers passed earlier this year that created a $1.3 billion deficit.

Kemp said at the time that he targeted new spending when looking for areas to cut.