DVSSP CEO Condemns President Trump’s Remarks Minimizing Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania (DVSSP) strongly condemns President Trump’s recent comments suggesting that domestic violence is simply “a little fight with the wife.” These remarks, made in the context of dismissing federal crime statistics, dangerously minimize the reality of abuse and undermine the voices of survivors.
Megan Hegedus, CEO of DVSSP, said, “Domestic violence is not a private dispute—it is a public safety crisis that claims lives every year. When leaders diminish the seriousness of abuse, it silences survivors, emboldens abusers, and sets back decades of work to protect families and communities. At DVSSP, we see the very real and lasting harm caused by intimate partner violence, and we will never stop working to ensure survivors are believed, supported, and safe.”
DVSSP provides life-saving services across Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education. Each year, thousands of individuals turn to DVSSP for support and safety.
As a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV), DVSSP stands with partners across the Commonwealth in calling out dangerous rhetoric and advocating for stronger protections for survivors.
Call to Action
DVSSP urges community members to stand with survivors by:
- Speaking out against harmful stereotypes about abuse
- Sharing accurate information about domestic violence
- Supporting local services through donations, volunteering, or advocacy.
For more information about DVSSP’s services or to get involved, visit peacefromdv.org.
“Domestic violence is not a private dispute—it is a public safety crisis that claims lives every year.”
Megan Hegedus, DVSSP CEO
