AUSTIN, Texas – The SAFE Alliance, one of the largest organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, sex trafficking, and child abuse, is currently grappling with significant financial difficulties that could jeopardize several of its vital programs.
Over the past year, the organization has experienced a loss of approximately $4 million in both philanthropic and government funding. This shortfall places immense pressure on the nonprofit to swiftly secure additional resources or face the grim reality of shutting down essential services.
Budget Shortfalls Threaten Core Programs
The leadership at SAFE Alliance has highlighted that budget constraints are endangering four of its key initiatives. Roughly half of the organization’s funding is derived from the city of Austin, with the remaining half coming from community donations.
Dr. Pierre Berastain, CEO of SAFE Alliance, pointed out the stark disparity in funding priorities, stating, “The city pays a little over $140 to spay and neuter cats and dogs. We receive the equivalent of $59 per victim of sexual violence. We spend more money as a city to spay and neuter cats and dogs than to respond to survivors of sexual violence.”
Among the services facing imminent closure is Eloise House, a clinic that specializes in providing forensic examinations for survivors. Holly Bowles, director of SAFE’s Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Program, emphasized the difficulties survivors face when seeking help, noting, “When survivors go to the hospital, they’re often required to tell their story to a dozen people before anyone can actually help them. They may wait hours—sometimes up to eight—before seeing a nurse or advocate. Even though the exam is free, they often get billed thousands of dollars for other hospital charges. We do not do any of that here.”
Eloise House accounts for approximately 95% of all forensic examinations conducted in Austin, performing around 600 exams annually.
Implications for Public Health and Safety
Dr. Berastain remarked, “This is as much a public health issue as it is a public safety issue. Survivors have told us they came forward to prevent perpetrators from harming others.”
SAFE Alliance operates the only two shelters in Austin for victims of domestic and sexual violence, with one shelter potentially facing closure. The city allocates $2 million each year to operate the shelter; however, the actual operational cost amounts to $3 million, and the organization can no longer absorb the deficit.
<pBowles expressed the gravity of the situation, saying, "The thought of that not being available—it feels like such a loss."
Another program under threat is SAFE Futures, which aims to keep mothers and children together and prevent them from entering the foster care system. Dr. Berastain explained, “The courts sometimes charge survivors of domestic violence with ‘failure to protect,’ which can result in children being removed from their mothers.” SAFE Futures collaborates with the courts to maintain family unity and reduce the number of children entering foster care.
Planet SAFE, a homicide prevention initiative that provides a secure location for individuals, particularly divorced parents exchanging children, is also at risk. This program ensures a safe environment with an armed guard present for those who cannot safely interact.
Looking Ahead
A memo revealed that Eloise House is slated to close on May 31, while Planet SAFE and SAFE Futures will continue operating until the summer. The community shelter is currently funded through October 1. City officials have stated they are in ongoing communication with SAFE Alliance as the situation evolves.
