WASHINGTON, July 9 IA-dom-violence-funds
WASHINGTON, July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Advocates from across the country and Iowa recognize Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, for his efforts toward increasing FY '09 funding to the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). The LHHS bill passed by U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee last week is seen as a sign of hope for the many domestic violence programs struggling to meet the growing demand for their services.
"Senator Harkin displayed great leadership navigating the LHHS appropriations bill," said Sue Else, President of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. "The Senator understands the overwhelming need faced by victims in rural and underserved communities and has worked hard to get victims the services and support they need to rebuild their shattered lives."
FVPSA, which supports lifesaving emergency shelter and services for victims and their families, received a $2.4 million increase in the bill. The bill also increased funding for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which is fully funded at $3.5 million, and the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) programs, which received a $1 million increase to support essential, cost-effective programs that prevent sexual violence.
Each year, more and more victims of domestic violence find the courage to reach out for help and this funding increase is the first step toward bridging the gap in services. According to NNEDV's National Census of Domestic Violence Services, in just one day, domestic violence programs in Iowa served more than 813 adults and children, while a shocking 114 requests for services went unmet.
"Despite a tight fiscal year, Senator Harkin and his colleagues clearly prioritized domestic violence and we are thankful for their commitment to victims and look forward to working with the Senator and the Committee as the bill moves forward," said Else.
In addition to funding emergency domestic violence shelters, FVPSA funds crisis intervention, counseling, children's services, transitional housing and local hotlines. There are over 2,000 local domestic violence shelters and programs nationwide that provide FVPSA-funded services to victims and their families.
National Network to End Domestic Violence
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is a membership and advocacy organization representing 56 state and U.S. territory domestic violence coalitions. NNEDV is the voice of these coalitions, their more than 2,000 local domestic violence member programs, and the millions of domestic violence survivors who turn to them for services. In 2000 and 2005, NNEDV members across the country played a crucial role in the reauthorization of VAWA. Through its extensive state and grassroots network, NNEDV continues to mobilize a powerful constituency to make their voices heard by policymakers. For more information, please visit www.nnedv.org.
SOURCE National Network to End Domestic Violence
