WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) voted to pass H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2021, which would expand and reauthorize programs under the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act. These programs provide grant funding and technical assistance for critical prevention and protection services for survivors of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. 
 
“Today I was proud to vote to pass the Family Violence and Services Improvement Act – legislation that I co-sponsored – to grant coalitions and community-based organizations across our country with funding to provide protection and prevention services to survivors of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. This bill would fund critical services such as emergency shelters, crisis counseling, safety planning, legal assistance in seeking protection orders, assistance recovering from financial abuse, and housing assistance.
 
“The updates in this bill are critical to ensuring programs can provide better services for survivors who have been historically marginalized and underserved.  With an increased funding authorization, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is directed to award grants to organizations in underserved communities and to community-based organizations that provide culturally appropriate services to racial and ethnic minority groups.
 
“Family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence are tragic phenomenon experienced by millions of individuals and families across the country. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill, which will help incredible organizations in King County and across the United States that work to provide life-saving services. Together, we can work to end this violence in our homes and our communities and to protect our children and families who need the most support.”
 
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