Dear Neighbor,Over the past 18 months, a horrific epidemic has been quietly growing alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not an epidemic of disease, but of one of domestic violence. While cases of domestic violence were too common even before the coronavirus, quarantining and social distancing have forced countless victims to live in close quarters with their abusers. This has made it extremely challenging for individuals to reach out for help or connect with services through hotlines. There are also COVID protocols and safety guidelines that, while implemented nobly for the sake of public health and safety, made it harder for shelters to provide services to every person who was finally able to escape their abuser.Domestic and intimate partner violence are not easy topics, I know. But that’s exactly why it’s so important for us to talk about them—because chances are you are close with someone who has experienced some form of domestic violence, whether you know it or not.One out of every four women and one out of every seven men will experience domestic violence at some point on their lives. More than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States every day. And 40 percent of women who die by homicide are killed by an intimate partner or former intimate partner.Tragically, these odds are even bleaker for underserved or minority communities. Studies have shown that an overwhelming 92 percent of women experiencing homelessness will suffer from physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lifetimes. Tragically, we also know that Black women experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35 percent higher than that of White women, and about 2.5 times the rate of women of other races. A 2020 survey conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence reported that 76,525 violence victims were served by domestic violence shelters and programs in one single day. However, an additional 11,047 requests for services went unmatched that same day due to lack of resources.That’s why in Congress, I have been a fierce supporter of legislation that will fund programs to support victims and prevent domestic violence altogether. Earlier this year, I proudly voted for the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2021 (VAWA), which provides funding for vital programs that address the criminal justice system and community responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The bill also establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims and makes changes to federal firearm laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.I was proud that this year’s VAWA reauthorization included my amendment that will strengthen the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights by providing survivors the right to be informed of the status and location of sexual assault evidence collection kits.Another piece of my legislation, the Safe Homefront Act (H.R. 4264), was signed into law as part of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill ensures that military servicemembers who have been disqualified from owning a gun due to crimes such as domestic violence are reported to the FBI in an accurate and timely fashion.Then, last year, I introduced H.R. 7789 with Rep. Jackie Speier, which would create a system of Military Court Protective Orders, allowing military judges and magistrates to issue court protective orders that comply with VAWA. The bill would also establish a Military-Civilian Task Force on Domestic Violence to make recommendations to improve the military’s efforts to prevent and respond to intimate partner violence. In addition to military representatives, the task force membership would include civilians with expertise in domestic violence prevention and response and experience in providing services to survivors. By allowing military protective orders to carry the same weight as their civilian counterparts and establishing a task force on domestic violence within the Department of Defense, we can better provide justice for victims and fundamentally improve how the US Military addresses intimate partner violence among servicemembers and their families.In March, I voted to pass the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act (H.R. 1652). For years, Virginia and other states have been experiencing enormous and steady cuts to VOCA funding for services such as support programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as victim compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and legal services. In FY 2021, Virginia’s award reached a 5-year low. Some Fairfax County programs reported reductions in VOCA funding of up to 60 percent, resulting in reduced capacity to serve victims of sexual and domestic violence. The VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act, which was signed into law in July, fixed the funding mechanism for the Crime Victims Fund to ensure that it remains consistent and can continue to support providers who serve victims of violent crime.Finally, just last month I cast my vote to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). FVPSA was the first federal law to provide resources for survivors of domestic violence and almost 40 years later, it is still the primary source of federal funding for domestic violence shelters in the country. It is a central pillar in our fight against domestic violence, but it has not been reauthorized since 2010, leaving programs underfunded and outdated.This FVPSA reauthorization focuses funding on prevention so we can aim to reduce the rate of intimate partner violence and decrease the need for support services. It increases dedicated resources for underserved populations, including communities of color, Tribal communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. And it ensures that survivors can receive culturally appropriate, accessible services.Together, these bills represent a huge first step towards ending intimate partner violence. But it is just that—a step. There is so much more work that needs to be done. Please know that I will always be a partner and ally in Congress as we work towards a future free from domestic violence.Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other and remember that my office is here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at (703) 256-3071.