U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Bob Casey (D-PA) recently introduced legislation to enhance and expand support, protection, and prevention for Americans affected by family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act would strengthen services for the more than 1.3 million survivors of domestic violence nationwide and update the National Domestic Violence Hotline to better serve underserved populations, such as people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities, by expanding prevention efforts and resources for underserved populations.
“I’m proud to once again join Senator Casey in introducing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to provide victims of domestic violence with the critical support they need,” Senator Lisa Murkowski said. “Too many Alaskans in rural communities face obstacles to receiving help—including being hundreds of miles away from the nearest shelter. This bill would work to increase access to services like crisis counseling, emergency shelters, and support prevention efforts. We must continue to improve access to support services for victims and their children and build on efforts to improve the safety of Alaska’s communities.”
“Family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence are a public health crisis in this country,” Senator Casey said. “I’m introducing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act because there are far too many people in this Nation suffering from abuse and violence, particularly those from undeserved communities. I look forward to working with Senator Murkowski to making sure survivors across America have the support they need.”
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), which was signed into law in 1984, was the federal government’s first response to the crisis of domestic violence, providing support via grants to domestic violence shelters and programs, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and domestic violence coalitions. Survivors receive services such as emergency shelter, crisis counseling, safety planning, and assistance recovering from financial abuse and addressing housing insecurity.
These programs also provide education and prevention programming to millions of community members annually.