We’re spending more time than ever at home, keeping safe and sheltered from the spread of COVID-19. That also means we are spending more times with our families and partners. But what does that mean for victims of domestic violence? So much public health messaging talks about being “safer at home” but for those who experience domestic and gender-based violence, home has never been more isolating or dangerous. At the start of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month, we are reminded of the many ways the pandemic has illuminated all the cracks in society, and the fragile infrastructure in place to help vulnerable populations. The enormous spikes in rates of domestic violence here and abroad speak to an urgent need for legislative action that specifically addresses the needs of survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
We are glad to see that Savanna’s Act, a bill that requires a more robust response to the shocking number of missing and murdered Indigenous women, passed the House and is ready for the President’s signature. This is a critical step. But more needs to happen. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has been languishing in the Senate for well over a year, putting those lifesaving programs in jeopardy. And even though the data is clear that domestic violence and intimate partner violence has increased during the pandemic, the Senate has failed to act on any COVID relief legislation, such as the HEROES Act which passed the House in the Spring and includes some additional provisions that help protect survivors.
Preventing and addressing intimate partner, domestic, and gender-based violence builds stronger families and stronger communities. VAWA has a proven track record of effectiveness over the years, and during COVID it is more critical than ever for the Senate to pass the bill’s reauthorization. The Senate must also act now to pass critical COVID legislation to provide state and local governments with the coordination and funding needed to more fully address domestic violence, and also for survivors to have access to the economic supports needed to leave harmful situations.
Our faith teaches us that each person bears the image of God. Sexual or physical violence defies this belief and represents a grave injustice. It tears the fabric of communities and our society. No one should have to live in fear of violence, especially in their own home. Please join with us in urging the Senate to act swiftly on passing COVID relief legislation as well as the Violence Against Women’s Act reauthorization.