WAILUKU - Women Helping Women's annual tea fundraiser on Sunday is coming at a critical time, with demands for help from the domestic violence agency increasing while funding sources dry up under the strain of the troubled economy.
"We've seen, definitely, budget cuts from some of our funding sources. People are giving less," said Stacey Moniz, executive director. "And yet there's a sharp increase in the number of deaths that are happening in our communities, and we can only forecast these tough economic times are going to lead to more stress and more domestic violence."
"It's one of those really weird imbalances that happen at a time when our services become absolutely critical," although they are always critical, Moniz added.
This year, Moniz is hoping for a good turnout at the agency's 12th annual tea fundraiser Sunday at Tedeschi Vineyards, Maui's Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch.
As a probable indicator of the tight economy, Moniz said the event is not sold out, as it usually is by this time.
Women Helping Women operates a 24-hour domestic violence hot line and also assists victims of domestic violence through its advocacy, education and prevention programs. Administrative offices are in Wailuku and it also runs a shelter and has transitional housing in the community. It also has a West Maui Advocacy Center in Lahaina and an office on Lanai.
Moniz said that in the past year the agency has been receiving more calls from people asking for information as well as inquiring about restraining orders.
But she added that the No. 1 reason couples fight is over finances, an issue now affecting many households.
Moniz said tensions escalate when more than one person is laid off and those who are unemployed are at home all day together.
"Not only are you short on money, you are short on patience" she said.
Last year, Maui police reported almost 5,000 domestic violence cases in the county, Moniz said.
High-profile domestic violence cases in Maui County in recent months include the death of 33-year-old John Shaniyo, who was allegedly stabbed by his girlfriend, Rachael Berta, at their Kahului home in January, and the death of 19-year-old Jose Antonio Jr., who in December was allegedly shot by his father, Joe D. Antonio.
Moniz said there also have been more cases and more sensational cases of domestic violence deaths nationwide.
As domestic violence cases seem to be increasing, Moniz said Women Helping Women has been told to expect a decrease in state funding.
For example, the nonprofit used to receive around $62,000 in assistance funds for needy families through the state Department of Human Services, but Moniz was told not to depend on those funds for next fiscal year, which begins in July.
She said Women Helping Women has already lost 12 percent of those funds for this current fiscal year.
Moniz said she will not know what she'll receive in state funds until the Legislature hammers out a budget.
"Here we are pretty close to the wire and we don't know how much money we are going to get next year. We are biting our fingernails," she said.
But on the other hand, Moniz said the county has maintained its funding for the program.
Moniz said Women Helping Women usually receives $190,000 in county funds and is on schedule to receive the same amount, despite the county telling nonprofits to expect cuts this year because of a revenue shortfall.
She said Mayor Charmaine Tavares said she would place priority on food, shelter and safety.
"The mayor really kept her word," Moniz said.
* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.
