Rep. Mike Levin Leads Letter to House Appropriations Leaders Calling for Increased Funding to Support Domestic Violence Survivors
San Juan Capistrano, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) led a letter with 37 of his colleagues to House Appropriations leaders calling for $50 million in funding for programs like Family Justice Centers that support survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse.
As people stay home to avoid the spread of COVID-19, victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault are particularly at risk. Lockdowns are keeping victims trapped in their homes with their abusers, away from the resources they need to be safe. Child abuse victims are also stuck at home, away from the teachers, doctors, and counselors that might recognize the signs of suspected child abuse or neglect. While the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act made important investments in the Family Violence Prevention Services Act and in the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the bill did not include financial support for programs such as Family Justice Centers.
“[Family Justice Centers] are designed to bring together victim advocates from victim service providers, civil legal attorneys, legal advocates, government victim assistance, prosecutors, law enforcement, and representatives from community-based organizations into one centralized location,” wrote the Members. “Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home orders, Family Justice Centers have seen a dramatic increase in domestic violence cases, with Centers across the country reporting requests for services increase by 20 to 30 percent. Therefore, we request that forthcoming legislation provide $50 million in appropriations [for programs like Family Justice Centers.]”
Click here or see below for Rep. Levin’s full letter:
Dear Chairman Serrano and Ranking Member Aderholt:
Thank you for your strong leadership as our country addresses the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. We are confident that your work in the House of Representatives is saving lives.
We write to respectfully urge any forthcoming legislation provide more assistance to Americans during the COVID-19 crisis include $50 million to be appropriated for the purpose specified in 34 U.S.C. 10461(10).
While we are grateful that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act made important investments in the Family Violence Prevention Services Act and in the National Domestic Violence Hotline, this bill did not include financial support for programs such as Family Justice Centers under 34 USC 10461(10). These programs are designed to bring together victim advocates from victim service providers, civil legal attorneys, legal advocates, government victim assistance, prosecutors, law enforcement, and representatives from community-based organizations into one centralized location.
At Family Justice Centers, survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse have access to critically important wraparound resources. Survivors can receive assistance in obtaining temporary restraining orders, find safe housing, meet their prosecutors, work with detectives, and obtain forensic exams.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home orders, Family Justice Centers have seen a dramatic increase in domestic violence cases, with Centers across the country reporting requests for services increase by 20 to 30 percent. Therefore, we request that forthcoming legislation provide $50 million in appropriations for the purpose specified in 34 U.S.C. 10461(10).
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
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