Pappas Votes to Pass Bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act
Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) voted to reauthorize the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). FVPSA was the first federal law to provide resources for survivors of domestic violence. Almost 40 years later, this legislation is still the primary source of federal funding for domestic violence shelters in the country. FVPSA is a comprehensive reauthorization of this critical law that will enhance and refocus federal investment to address intimate partner violence (IPV). Pappas is a cosponsor of this legislation.
"This reauthorization of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act is critical to fully funding and modernizing our domestic violence prevention efforts," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "I am pleased that the House came together in a bipartisan manner to increase the funding available to domestic violence shelters and improve the resources available to survivors. While there is still considerable work to be done, this legislation will help countless survivors across New Hampshire and ensure fewer families have to endure the trauma of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence."
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021 (H.R. 2119) expands resources for survivors and initiatives to end domestic violence by:
Increasing funding authorization levels to $270 million to respond to low per-program funding levels and providing access to programs not currently funded.
Meaningfully investing in prevention by bringing evidence-informed, community-based prevention initiatives to more communities across the country.
Strengthening and updating the National Domestic Violence Hotline and hotline services for under-served populations.
Expanding support for, and access to, culturally specific programs.
Creating a new under-served population grant program.
Strengthening the capacity of Indian Tribes to exercise their sovereign authority to respond to domestic violence in their communities.
Updating provisions and definitions to better align with related programs and reflect evolving practices.
Pappas is a member of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence in the House.
In June, Pappas re-introduced the National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act, which would provide federal resources for communities to address adverse childhood experiences associated with exposure to trauma. By helping to establish programs that allow law enforcement and first responders to connect with local child specialists and professionals, resources from the legislation would facilitate early intervention to help mitigate the impacts of childhood trauma.
In March, Pappas voted to pass the bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2021 (VAWA). Pappas cosponsored this legislation and has supported reauthorizing VAWA throughout his time in office.