National Domestic Violence Hotline Encouraged by Senate Committee’s Bipartisan Advancement of FVPSA Re-Authorization Bill

For Immediate Release: July 27, 2021

Washington, DC — In an incredible display of bipartisan collaboration and commitment to expanding services for all survivors, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted to advance the manager’s amendment to the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) reauthorization bill on July 21st. While FVPSA expired in 2015, both the House and Senate have been taking action to work towards re-authorization. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) thanks the committee for their work to understand the needs of survivors and to move forward a bill that captures those realities.

“The significant improvements in the FVPSA reauthorization bill reflect the priorities and evolving needs of the domestic violence field over the past decade, and the complex needs of survivors we hear on the lines every day,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of The Hotline. “This re-authorization will help survivors around the country have more options, specifically ones that are culturally appropriate and responsive, as well as invest in areas and programs that have been historically under resourced.”

FVPSA’s critical funding supports more than 1,500 local, public, private, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations and programs and over 250 tribes and tribal organizations responding to the urgent needs of survivors and their families in the US and its territories. FVPSA funding provides the foundation for shelters, coalitions, training and technical assistance centers, children’s services, emergency response hotlines, and prevention initiatives. This bill contains many vital improvements that expand the array of services for survivors.

The Hotline calls on Congress to bring FVPSA re-authorization to the floor. Urgent passage is necessary to ensure the expansion of much needed services for survivors and their families.

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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.