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More funding for domestic violence prevention?

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This week lawmakers heard testimony in favor of increasing funding for domestic violence prevention.

There are two proposals in the New Hampshire House to increase funding against domestic violence.  First, Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) proposed giving $100,000 of the state's general fund to domestic violence shelters as part of next year's budget. 

A different bill, HB 681, would add $5 to the marriage license fee for domestic violence prevention.

Representatives of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence say that due to the recession and state budget cuts in 2012, victims need more help than ever.  Shelters turned away roughly 1,000 alleged victims last year.

Additionally, roughly half of homicides in New Hampshire are related to domestic violence.

However, there are other budget priorities for lawmakers that may trump domestic violence prevention.  For example, the state must increase mental health funding as part of a lawsuit settlement.

Domestic violence shelters also receive funding from the federal government and private grants.

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