Letter to José Serrano, Chairman House Appropriations Committee, and Robert Aderholt, Ranking Member House Appropriations Committee - Rep. Mike Levin Leads Letter to House Appropriations Leaders Calling for Increased Funding to Support Domestic Violence Survivors

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.