“It is with great anticipation and support that Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act will enhance and expand support systems designed to protect and prevent domestic and sexual violence,” said CEO Lori Jump, StrongHearts Native Helpline. “We applaud the efforts of U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) who introduced legislation today.”

Domestic and sexual violence impacts more than 1.3 million Americans nationwide and Native American and Alaska Natives experience disproportionately high rates of violence. According to the National Institute of Justice, 84 percent of Native women experience violence in their lifetimes, and 56 percent experience sexual violence.

Legislation introduced today contains significant enhancements for Tribal Nations and will dedicate funding, for the first time, for Tribal Coalitions and a National Indian Domestic Violence Hotline. “These are critical enhancements and will improve access to and the delivery of services to our relatives across the country,” said Jump.

Committed to Working Together

“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 underserved communities,” said Senator Casey. “I look forward to working with Senator Murkowski to make sure survivors across America have the support they need.”

“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. 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.”

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act of 1984 (FVPSA) was signed into law in 1984 as 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.

1.https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/249822.pdf

2.https://www.casey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/the_family_violence_prevention_and_services_improvement_act.pdf