Supported an initiative to fund faith-based domestic violence programs.

 Cut $12.5 million from the Violence Against Women Act in his 2004 budget.

 Cut $3 million in the 2005 budget for state grants that go toward improving stalking databases, encouraging arrests, reducing violent crimes against women on campus, and enhancing protection for older and disabled women.

 Shortchanged Health and Human Services funding for domestic violence services by refusing to budget for the level of congressional funding authorized for 2005 and not adjusting for inflation.

 Named October "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month," an action undertaken by previous presidents, as well.

 Some of Bush's deepest 2005 budget cuts targeted the Section 8 housing voucher program, which provides vital assistance to battered women seeking low-income housing.

 Appointed two representatives of the Independent Women's Forum (IWF) to the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women. IWF has consistently opposed the Violence Against Women Act, claiming it is based on "ignorance, non-facts, and wishful thinking about the power of the federal government to curb violence between intimate partners."

 Ignored a 2002 mandate by Congress to create an independent Violence Against Women Office—did so in 2004 only after coming under intense bi-partisan pressure.

 Resists the inclusion of protections for battered women in marriage promotion programs, in effect pressuring poor women to remain in abusive relationships, endangering them and their children.

John Kerry:

 Co-sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence and provided funds for shelters and hotlines.

 Created one of the first rape crisis crime units as a Massachusetts prosecutor.

Ralph Nader:

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