National Domestic Violence Hotline Welcomes House Passage of Critical Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

For Immediate Release: October 26, 2021

AUSTIN, TX — On October 26, 2021, the House passed the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act of 2021 (FVPSA) reauthorization bill (H.R. 2119), which expired in 2015. The National Domestic Violence Hotline applauds the bipartisan support for FVPSA and commitment to domestic violence survivors. If enacted, the legislation would increase funding authorization levels to serve more survivors of domestic violence and bolster domestic violence prevention efforts.

“We applaud the House of Representatives’ support of survivors and the programs that assist in shifting power back to people affected by relationship abuse so they can begin their journey of healing and living lives that are free of violence,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline). “The bill will increase overall funding for FVPSA and expand opportunities for new programs to serve the most marginalized survivors. H.R. 2119 is a true reflection of collaboration amongst Members of Congress and the communities they serve by uplifting the needs of survivors and the programs that serve them.”

Since 1984, FVPSA has remained at the core of our nation’s response to domestic violence. The reauthorization will expand critical funding for shelters, support services for survivors, and 24-hour domestic violence hotlines. This bill also contains many vital improvements that ensure more survivors’ access to life-saving services in culturally appropriate and responsive ways.

The Hotline applauds House leadership, the House Committee on Education and Labor, the bill’s co-sponsors and every Representative that voted for this bill. Swift passage in the Senate is crucial, and The Hotline calls on all members of Congress to work together for the benefit  of survivors. The Hotline looks forward to seeing FVPSA reauthorized and improving access to safety for all 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, text the word “Start” to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.