WASHINGTON _ Dozens of crucial programs meant to help victims of domestic and sexual violence face uncertain, worrisome futures because of the partial government shutdown.
The Violence Against Women Act, regarded as an important tool to provide services for victims of domestic abuse, was supposed to be continued for another five years by September.
Instead, the law was extended only until Dec. 7, then to Dec. 21, when the shutdown was triggered by a disagreement between President Donald Trump and members of Congress over funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. That dispute stalled spending legislation affecting nine Cabinet agencies, including the Justice Department, which administers the act.
