A hurdle has been cleared in the only dedicated federal funding source for domestic abuse shelters. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act has been reauthorized by the House. For 25 years FVPSA funded programs have supported services such as emergency shelters.
“It’s the money that keeps the lights on, that keeps the heat on, that really is the essential resource at the federal level for our nation’s response to victims of domestic violence,” says Tony Gibart of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV).
In addition the bill provides equitable funding for US territories and amps up services for kids in domestic violence shelters. Gibart says although not often recognized children are among victims who stay at shelters.
The Coalition applauds Congresswomen Gwen Moore of Milwaukee for introducing and spearheading re-authorization of the bill. Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Steve Kagen also co-sponsored the effort. The bill heads to the Senate.