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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 20, 2020 11:27 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Melissa L. Shusterman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Urge Congress to Include Domestic Violence Victims in Next Stimulus Bill |
| As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, over 306 million Americans have been placed under some form of a stay-at-home order. This is a very strenuous time for all of us, but for some, this situation has led to even more heartache and pain. While these stay-at-home orders are one of the best prevention methods to combat the spread of the virus, it has given domestic abusers additional opportunities to further isolate their victims and withhold financial and medical resources. Already, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has reported an increase in demand for victim service providers and additional resources are required to address increases in domestic abuse in underprivileged communities who do not have the required infrastructure to combat the problem. In response to this, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, has joined a bipartisan coalition of Senators to push for funding to be allocated to domestic violence-related programs in the next COVID-19 relief bill. If we are to help those suffering from domestic abuse, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act will all require this additional funding so they can meet the increased demand for support. As Pennsylvanian legislators, we should join our State’s senator in urging Congress to include additional funding to domestic violence-related programs in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. I hope that I, as well as those being subjected to violence in their home, can count on your support. |
Introduced as HR966