Press release:
Moore and Schock Introduce Reauthorization of Crucial Legislation to Aid Domestic Violence Victims
FVPSA, which expired in 2008, funds basic operation costs at victim shelters across the country
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) today introduced the reauthorization of H.R. 4116, the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act (FVPSA), along with Representatives Gregorio Sablan (I-Northern Mariana Islands), and Judy Biggert (R-IL). FVPSA is the only federal legislation that provides the funding to keep the lights on and the doors open at local domestic violence shelters across the country.
FVPSA was last reauthorized in 2003, and it is woefully underfunded and in need of critical updates. As financial pressures due to a down economy cause family stress to climb, domestic violence shelters across the country have been called upon to open their doors to more and more victims who are attempting to flee life-threatening violence. The shelters funded by FVPSA provide emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and support for victims and their children — and they do it on a shoestring budget.
“Victims of domestic violence should never be forced to go back to their abusers because they don’t have access to an emergency shelter – or because they are worried about their financial stability if they leave,” Congresswoman Moore said. “Calls for help have skyrocketed over the past year as the economy has suffered, and we have a duty to help these victims and their kids find safety and rebuild their lives. This legislation provides the critical resources that make shelters and lifesaving services available to victims.”
“It is absolutely critical that domestic violence centers throughout the country have the necessary funding to operate,” said Congressman Schock. “Not only does this legislation ensure they will have the resources to function, it expands essential services for victims, teens and children by specializing their programs and utilizing new technologies. All too often, children who have been exposed to the horrors of domestic violence perpetuate the cycle of abuse. This legislation enables shelters to tailor their programs to prevent abuse before it starts.”
“We applaud Representative Schock for supporting critical legislation to reauthorize FVPSA,” said Vicki Smith, executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Domestic violence programs in Illinois are struggling to meet the increasing demand for services as the economic crisis sends more victims to their doors just as funding sources are decreasing. Advocates in Illinois are excited to see Representative Schock take a leadership role in ensuring a safety net for survivors of abuse.”
In addition to increasing the authorization level for local shelters and programs to $250 million (from $175 million), this legislation creates new grants for organizations to target traditionally underserved communities – including communities of color – with support. The bill improves the National Domestic Violence Hotline so that tools like instant messaging and text messaging will be available to reach a larger portion of the population, particularly youth victims of dating violence.
Tags: Aaron Schock, domestic violence
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
This will be the last time the public will hear about some bi-partisanship coming from a local politician. Come the campaign we will not be exposed to this type of effort to solve a funding need.
There will be posters on this and other blogs who will excoriate Aaron for not voting for a particular bill(s) that the ruling party puts forth.
Aaron will also be blamed for the Hindenburg disaster, global climate change, Waco, Jonestown, and a number of convient taglines. But no proof of these and other charges will ever be presented to be viewed or challenged.
That should be “convenient” my error
That’s BS PC, all of the local media will treat him with kid gloves especially Karen McDonald. Otherwise she will be forced to take down all of her “Tiger Beat” Schock posters.
I’ll give the young man his props on this. He is in my opinion doing the right thing. I wonder who’ll be “punished”, I mean taxed to pay for this. I’ll give you another point to ponder. I give him credit for his vote to prevent credit card companies from raising rates and fees in advance of the new regulations.
I’ll stop “hating” on the young man now.
11B,
My intent was to make it be known that bipartisanship by a Republican does happen, but it will not see the light of day by those on the opposite side of the aisle. The media in our locality will make a minor attempt to portray his efforts to sponsor legislation that has no political viewpoint. But the bloggers on this and other locations will forget very quickly his efforts will fall to the wayside. Then the Muckraking and inuendo will return.