The Hotline Applauds Congress on the Final Passage of the FY22 Omnibus

AUSTIN, TX – On March 9, 2022, House and Senate Leadership released their final Fiscal Year 2022 spending package, which allocates $15.5 million for the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline), including direct support for StrongHearts Native Helpline and $200 million for The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). The bill includes increases for a variety of important domestic violence programs along with the reauthorization of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which also includes important enhancements and modernizes the three-decade-old law.

The Hotline thanks House and Senate Leadership, the Appropriations committee, and Appropriations staff for their commitment to survivors and bi-partisan agreement on this essential funding to ensure critical support, resources and services to those impacted by domestic violence.

While we celebrate these advances, we know even more robust funding and resources are needed. The number of people reaching out for 24/7 services is growing—The Hotline receives more than 1,600 incoming contacts (calls, chats and texts) every day. In the past five months, The Hotline’s contact volume is up, on average, by 17% compared to 2020. This is the most sustained increase we have experienced since the pandemic.

“The Hotline’s services to survivors are vital to ensure that those impacted by relationship abuse have access to the support and resources they need to pursue a safer future for themselves and their families,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “Federal investment allows us to keep our lines open 24/7 for anyone who needs us. We are grateful for this funding and encourage future budgets to do even more to support national, state and local programs on the front lines of this crisis.”

###

The National Domestic Violence Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7/365. Text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or chat online at TheHotline.org. You are not alone.