MCEDSV Applauds U.S. House’s Votes for VAWA Reauthorization & to Support Services for Victims of Crime

By Walter Hartman March 18, 2021 Share:

Full PDF from MCEDSV: 2021 VAWA VOCA fix press release House

For immediate release:

The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) is thrilled that the U.S. House of Representatives voted last night to pass historic legislation that would reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act (HB 1620) for the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act, which provides desperately needed funding for programs that benefit survivors throughout the legal process (HB1652). MCEDSV would like to thank all voting members of the Michigan delegation who supported the VOCA Fix, as well as the bipartisan group of legislators who supported VAWA Reauthorization.
Of particular note is an amendment suggested by a remarkable MI survivor, working in collaboration with her local service agency Turning Point, the Macomb Community Domestic Violence Council, and MCEDSV’s Public Policy Team. Offered by MI Representative Andy Levin, this important provision will allow prosecuting attorneys offices to apply for grants to specifically implement vertical prosecution programs so that more victims who seek justice through criminal prosecution are able to work with a single prosecutor throughout their case.

MCEDSV’s Executive Director, Sarah Rennie, shared, “All survivors deserve an empathic and complete response to all of the needs that arise from their victimization. Reauthorizing VAWA and implementing the VOCA Fix will mean that survivors continue to receive improved supports as they navigate their individual journeys towards healing. We are especially pleased that the House was responsive to Indigenous and other marginalized survivors by acting to end impunity and deliver much-needed funding.” Rennie added, “The Levin Amendment responds to a crucial need that we see throughout the state and country. Survivors benefit greatly when the systemic response to their victimization focuses on one prosecutor who can be their primary contact and supporter throughout the process.”