NNEDV Applauds House Passage of Lifesaving Legislation for Domestic Violence Victims

September 28, 2018

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and victim advocates across the nation applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for taking a stand against domestic violence by passing H.R. 6014 to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVSPA). Now heading to the Senate, FVPSA is the only dedicated federal funding source for domestic violence shelters and services.

FVPSA-funded programs support lifesaving services to domestic violence victims and their children, including emergency shelters, crisis hotlines, counseling services, victim assistance initiatives and programs for underserved communities throughout the United States, American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and U.S. territories.

“FVPSA funding is absolutely essential to ensuring the safety of victims and their children,” said Kim Gandy, NNEDV President and CEO. “We are truly grateful that the House of Representatives has taken this critical step towards protecting these vital services for another five years.”

NNEDV commends Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Gwen Moore (D-WI) for their dedicated leadership and commitment to ensuring that local domestic violence programs can continue to prevent future violence and provide safe places for victims to rebuild their lives free from abuse. We also express our gratitude to Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, (R-NC) Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), and the more than 100 Representatives who cosponsored H.R. 6014 for their support of its passage.

First authorized in 1984 and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Over 1,500 local domestic violence agencies rely on FVPSA funding to keep their doors open to more than 1.3 million victims seeking safety each year.

NNEDV urges the Senate to act with a sense of urgency and swiftly pass its companion, S. 2784.

“Survivors need to know that when they come forward for help and support it will be there. FVPSA is a core component to victim-centered responses in our communities,” said Gandy.”