The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) is an essential piece of legislation that survivors rely on for safety and services. The House passed a bill to reauthorize and strengthen FVPSA last October. The Senate reauthorization bill, S.1275, introduced by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), passed out of Committee in July of 2021 - more than a year ago! 

FVPSA provides core funding to more than 1,500 domestic violence shelters and programs, supports over 240 tribes and tribal organizations to address and prevent domestic violence and provides for a network of state coalitions and national technical assistance providers — all working to ensure vital crisis services are available to individuals experiencing domestic or dating violence, as well as their children. 

FVPSA funded programs have provided services such as emergency shelter, crisis counseling, safety planning, and assistance recovering from financial abuse or addressing housing insecurity to over 1.3 million survivors and their children since its inception in 1984. These cost effective and life-saving programs help rebuild lives. The important improvements in S.1275 reflect the priorities of the domestic violence field and the diverse needs of survivors.

Congress is returning from a long recess for the lame duck session, and upon their return, Congress must honor survivors with action. Contact your Members of Congress on December 15! We need urgent action. Use this #FVPSA toolkit to contact your Members of Congress today! 

For more information, please contact Marium Durrani (mdurrani@thehotline.org).