National Domestic Violence Hotline Welcomes Bill to Support Survivors of Family Violence

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2021

National Domestic Violence Hotline Welcomes Bill to Support Survivors of Family Violence

AUSTIN – Today, Rep. McBath (D-GA), Rep. Young (R-AK), Rep. Moore (D-WI), and Rep. Katko (R-NY) introduced the Family Violence Prevention and Services Re-Authorization Act of 2021 (H.R. 2119), which would reauthorize funding and services for more than 1,500 local, public, private, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, and over 240 Tribes and Tribal organizations that respond to the urgent needs of domestic violence survivors and their children. Since 1984, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act has remained at the core of our nation’s response to domestic violence. This bill also contains many key improvements that ensure more survivors have access to support and safety.

“We welcome the introduction of this bill which provides essential funding for organizations doing the work of transferring power back to survivors of domestic violence,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline). “The bill introduced in the House today represents new and expansive approaches to supporting survivors. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, but the resources that we provide survivors cannot be one-size-fits-all. We are pleased to see that this bill begins to address this by designating funding for culturally specific needs, Tribal communities, underserved groups and prevention. Especially during the pandemic, marginalized people have faced increased barriers to the support they need. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act takes steps to remove those barriers and fund support for survivors.”

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know needs help call The Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org.