November 1, 2021

CASA Applauds House Passage of the FVPSA

News

Washington, DC – U.S. Representatives voted on the passage of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2021. This essential legislation has been unauthorized since 2015. H.R. 2119 is a coordinated, coalition lead, community based response to violence, giving key stakeholders and organizations already active in the domestic violence movement ownership of programs and funding.

CASA personnel were involved with Representative Charlie Crist in ensuring the passage of this essential legislation through providing information and support to his network.

H.R. 2119 will focus on accessibility and trauma informed services for those who have experienced domestic or family violence and are seeking services, as well promoting ongoing public education and community engagement at a national level. Whereas nationally domestic violence intervention has primarily been focused on physical abuse, the FVPSA would exist with the understanding that other forms of abuse—such as digital and economic—exist and need attention, as well.

The FVPSA will specifically increase funding and prevention services for marginalized people groups, especially people of color, LGBTQIA+ populations and indigenous people, where risk factors for experiencing violence are historically heightened.

CASA CEO Lariana Forsythe said, “We stand in solidarity and support of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act. Recent years have shone a light on the ever-present, steadily increasing need for domestic violence services. The infusion of additional funding through this reauthorization would enable domestic violence providers to fill considerable gaps in program capacity primarily caused by a lack of federal resources. In addition, we are encouraged by the meaningful investment in evidence-based prevention initiatives that would allow agencies to better focus our efforts on stopping domestic violence before it starts. This act will help provide reprieve for people who need it now more than ever.”