The Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport is one of several shelters that are being forced to cut services as a result of the government shutdown, News 12 is told.

Deb Greenwood, of the Center for Family Justice, says the organization relies on federal funds and that the longer the shutdown goes, the more necessities like food and counseling will be cut.

She says the shutdown could even lead to an increase in violence.

"My greatest concern is that the Violence Against Women Act has already expired, and it did that in December,” says Greenwood. “…Once the government shutdown is done, we need to make sure that we reauthorize that."

Greenwood went on to say that it is important to recognize that no matter our differences in beliefs, lives are at risk if centers and shelters can’t do their great work.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he will call on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Monday to allow the Senate to vote on a measure to fund the shuttered federal agencies so that the government can reopen.