Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck plans to propose $8 million in city budget funding for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and other gender-based violence.
Rinck said the proposal would restore services the council funded for one year and expand shelter and other support as federal funding declines. The money would help pay for legal services, apartment deposits, childcare during court dates, counseling, support groups and prevention programs.
City Attorney Erika Evans said she began her term this year with a backlog of 1,700 domestic violence cases. Councilmember Dionne Foster said she would propose separate one-time funding in next year’s budget to help reduce the backlog.
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