Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021 today to help victims of domestic violence. The bill, H.R. 2119, would provide greater federal investment to fund shelters and improve support services for victims across the country. It would provide more than $4 million for New Jersey programs that prevent domestic violence and put a greater emphasis on preventative measures to stop domestic violence before it happens.
“Domestic violence is a serious issue in this country and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it worse,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “I voted for this bill because we need to provide victims of domestic violence the resources needed to help them separate from their abusers. This bill will help protect thousands of New Jersey residents from domestic and family violence.”
The bill would reduce the rates of domestic violence through more funding for services for victims as well as additional staff and resources for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. In addition, it would provide more “culturally-appropriate” domestic violence support programs for minorities and tribal residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in four women and one in ten men will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. Last year, requests for shelter and assistance from domestic violence victims jumped almost 20 percent at times compared to 2019. The bill was introduced in October to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
original source can be found here.
