The National Domestic Violence Hotline supports Jane Doe and will not continue to support Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as the lead sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline supports Jane Doe and will not continue to support Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as the lead sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

“The Hotline answers the call to support and shift power back to people affected by relationship abuse through the nearly 400,000 contacts we field each year from survivors, many of whom experience co-occurring forms of violence such as sexual violence. Our work begins and ends with the interests of survivors, and we stand in support of all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Hotline lends its support to Jane Doe, a survivor who has filed a retaliation complaint against the Office of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation for mishandling Doe’s report of sexual assault.

While Rep. Jackson Lee has been critical in shepherding VAWA reauthorization during the 115th Congress, The Hotline can no longer continue to support her leading VAWA reauthorization at this time. We will work enthusiastically with House Leadership as they consider a path forward on VAWA reauthorization.

At The Hotline, we stand with all survivors, regardless of their race, economic status, sexual orientation or immigration status. If you or someone you know is in need of support or resources, please call 1-800-799-7233, all day 365 days a year. We are able to provide support via phone in 200+ languages. You can also chat online here on our website.”

— Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline