The National Domestic Violence Hotline Praises the U.S. Senate and U.S. House for Passing Important Legislation that Helps Victims of Domestic Violence Reauthorizing the Funding for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act - Critical to Funding the National Domestic Violence Hotline
December 14, 2010 — The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) today praised the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives for reauthorizing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) as part of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). This bill ensures The Hotline will continue answering calls from victims of domestic violence from across the country and that domestic violence shelters providing support to victims and their children when fleeing abusive homes will continue to exist.
“The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act is the cornerstone of our nation’s response to domestic violence, providing lifesaving services to victims of domestic violence and their children. Its passage is critical to ensuring victims of domestic violence and their children have a national hotline to call for help and that the nationwide network of domestic violence services will be there when families reach out for help,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline receives more than 22,000 calls for help each month. The Hotline, available at 1-800-799-SAFE, is the only national hotline for victims of domestic violence. The Hotline is operated by the National Council on Family Violence and has been based in Austin, Texas since it’s inception in 1996.
The Hotline provides 24-hour support, information and referral to domestic violence services across the country for victims of domestic violence, their children, family members, and others affected by such violence; and enables callers to find safety and protection in crisis situations. The Hotline receives funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. FVPSA ensures that safe havens and links to local resources are available when families seek to rebuild their lives.
The passage of FVPSA/CAPTA by both the Senate and House demonstrates bipartisan agreement that safety of women, children and men is a priority. We look forward to President Obama signing the bill into law.