Hoyer Praises House Passage of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021

Press Release

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the House passed the bipartisan reauthorization of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2021, which will provide critical resources to survivors of domestic violence:

"Today, I was proud to bring H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021, to the House Floor and ensure its passage. As a major source of federal funding dedicated to domestic violence prevention services and support for survivors, this legislation will provide important resources that keep women, children, and families safe," said Congressman Hoyer.

"This pandemic has made it even harder to track and address domestic abuse, and many of our vital community-based services experienced disruptions during this crisis," continued Congressman Hoyer. "With one in four women and nearly one in ten men being a victim of intimate partner violence, this bill will refocus and reinvest federal funding to protect those at risk, especially those in communities of color, those with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Today and every day, we must ensure we provide resources where they will have a real impact in keeping families safe. This legislation does exactly that and I hope the Senate will take it up without delay."

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act has not been reauthorized since 2010. For 40 years, FFVPSA has played an integral role in the fight to end domestic abuse. This legislation will provide Maryland with a 44 percent increase in funding to help end intimate partner violence and ensure victims can get the help they need.

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