Creating Spaces for Women: Overcoming Safety Concerns to Foster Growth

In 2024, the Indiana General Assembly reduced funding for domestic violence prevention and support programs by $2.5 million, despite an escalating demand and clear evidence that many survivors are falling through the gaps.Shortly thereafter, allegations of sexual harassment and systemic silence emerged from within the city government. While investigations confirmed adherence to protocol, the harsher reality persists: a significant number of Indiana’s women — across various political affiliations, backgrounds, and professions — feel unsafe in their workplaces, homes, and communities.This issue transcends politics; it is a deeply personal and structural crisis.Data reveals that 1 in 3 women in Indiana will face domestic violence in her lifetime. The call volume at crisis centers surged post-abortion ban, with increased reports of abuse linked to reproductive coercion. Women are left to navigate challenging systems for care and legal protection, especially in rural areas.Indiana’s women are vital to the state’s economy and communities. They embody resilience and deserve safety. Demands for expanded funding and protective laws are crucial, as silence equates to complicity. No woman should have to compromise her safety for survival.