The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence extends deep appreciation to the House of Representatives for their passage of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021. The bill passed the House chamber with a 228 yay-220 nay vote.
Originally introduced by Representatives McBath (GA), Young (AK), Moore (WI), and Katko (NY), this bipartisan (reaching across parties), bicameral (present in two legislative branches) bill provides primary funding supports that enhance comprehensive responses to domestic violence. For over 30 years FVPSA funding has provided critical support for shelters, coalitions, training and technical assistance centers, children’s services, emergency response hotlines, and prevention initiatives. Passage of the bill comes at a critical time when our nation and survivors continue to be faced with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and continued racial and systemic oppression.
Key enhancements passed in the bill include:
- Increased funding levels.
- Expanded support for culturally specific programming.
- Strengthened capacity resources for Indian tribes.
- Meaningful prevention investments and more.
“We applaud Members of the House for passing this bill and the prioritized key enhancements which will expand support for, and access, to culturally-specific programs and programs reaching underserved communities,” said Farzana Safiullah, CEO of the NRCDV. “It is critical that organizations, especially culturally-specific organizations, have the essential means necessary to address the complex, multi-layered challenges facing victims from racial and ethnic minority communities. We also call attention to how this passage strengthens prevention efforts and supports the capacity of programs serving survivors in rural communities, individual with disabilities, older adults, those identifying with faith-based communities, youth and others needing access to services.”
NRCDV now joins our fellow advocacy partners in calling upon the Senate to act quickly in passing the Senate companion bill, S.1275 which originally passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee.
