NNEDV Commends House Introduction of Critical Bill to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence

June 6, 2018

Today, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) commends Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Gwen Moore (D-WI) for introducing H.R. 6014, the bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). This bill would ensure domestic violence victims continue to receive the essential support necessary to flee abuse and rebuild their lives.

Reauthorizing FVPSA is a top priority for NNEDV, which represents the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence. Shelters and other domestic violence programs across the country rely on FVPSA funding to deliver essential services to victims of domestic violence. FVPSA is at the heart of our nation’s response to domestic violence. Each year, FVPSA ensures that 1.3 million victims and their children have access to safe housing, safety planning, counselling and advocacy services.

“When victims and their children are forced to escape from their homes, FVPSA is there for them. As the only federal funding solely dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, FVPSA allows communities to provide victims with a safe place to go and the services they need in times of crisis,” said Kim Gandy, President and CEO of NNEDV.

Each year, NNEDV conducts a 24-hour Domestic Violence Counts Report which provides an in-depth look at our nation’s domestic violence shelters and services. The 12th annual report found that despite the life-saving work that domestic violence shelters and programs provide every day, an alarming number of survivors cannot access services they so desperately need due to a lack of funding. The report revealed that in just one day, 72,245 victims of domestic violence received services; however, 11,441 requests for services went unmet due to a lack of resources. Of those unmet requests, 65% were for safe housing.

“A lack of funding should never stand in the way of survivors in need of safety and support. The bipartisan reauthorization bill would ensure that victims and their children continue to have access to the lifesaving services FVPSA provides. We applaud the leadership of Reps. Thompson, Blunt Rochester, Stefanik and Moore for introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.”

Join us now and urge your Members of Congress to co-sponsor this life-saving bill today!