For some couples in Minnesota who want to add a little excitement to their wedding day, Las Vegas is a favorite destination. But the number of weddings that have taken place in the city since the COVID-19 virus made its way into the country has dropped dramatically. Not only does this mean a delayed wedding for many couples, but it has also caused a $2 million shortfall for services that aid victims of domestic violence.
Nevada first began dedicating a portion of the proceeds generated from marriages in the state to the funding of domestic violence programs in 1982. The fees responsible for the money are assessed for things like certificates, commissions and marriage licenses. The extent to which a particular jurisdiction depends on this money to fund programs for victims of domestic violence can vary.
Smaller programs located in rural areas may see the bulk of the money they use come from the marriage funds. Conversely, programs located in large metropolitan areas may only need this money as additional funding to what they receive from grants and federal funding sources.
Marriages across the state have decreased by 87% in response to the pandemic. In Clark County, a place that bills itself as the marriage capital of the world, the decrease in marriage license demand was 95% in April and just under 70% in May.
Victims of domestic violence don’t have to suffer their abuse alone and in silence. Individuals who experience violence at the hands of someone close to them may benefit from the services of an attorney who is committed to their safety and who understands of the legal remedies available to help clients navigate this troubling time in their lives.
