Domestic violence shelters in New York State take in any woman who has been the victim of domestic violence or sex trafficking. They don't turn anyone away.

The funding for these shelters comes in large part from the state government, which pays a per diem reimbursement based on the number of residents the shelters have on any given day. This money is essential to the shelters remaining open, and continuing to serve the community.

But there's a catch.

As of now, New York State won't pay the per diem for a woman who is not a citizen or a legal immigrant. If you're an undocumented victim of domestic violence or sex trafficking, the shelter will take you in, but they'll have to pay the costs of housing you out of their organizational budget. Domestic violence agencies that provide shelter to women and children without papers -- those most vulnerable to domestic violence and coerced sex work -- are forced to fund that support by siphoning money away from their educational, legal, and other programs.

Earlier this year, both houses of the New York State legislature unanimously passed a bill that would end this practice, mandating state per diem payments for all women and children fleeing violence and abuse, whatever their immigration status. That bill has been sitting on the desk of Governor David Paterson, unsigned, for weeks. If he doesn't sign it by the end of the day tomorrow, September 26, 2008, it will expire.

If you live in New York, victims of domestic violence and the agencies who serve them could really use your help today.

Please call the governor's counsel's office at (518) 486-4808, and encourage the governor to sign the Paulin-Saland Domestic Violence Shelter Reimbursement Bill. It's a fifteen-second phone call, and yours could be the call that makes the difference.

Thanks.