Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the critical role of victim service providers in the response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, by supporting victims through the physical, mental, emotional, financial, and legal challenges they may face in the aftermath of violence.
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Non-binding House resolution praising victim service providers — the nonprofits, shelters, and rape crisis centers that help survivors of abuse and assault — and urging Congress to fund them better.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, Tribal coalitions, and survivors who rely on these services.
- Loses: no one materially; symbolic only, with no funding attached.
What it does
- Resolution only — creates no programs and authorizes no spending.
- Uses the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) definition of 'victim service provider' (nonprofits, shelters, Tribal groups, rape crisis centers).
- Recognizes providers' role in safety planning, legal navigation, counseling, and housing referrals.
- Acknowledges historic underfunding and calls for 'meaningful' future investment.
Why should I care?
Supporters say dating violence and stalking hit teens and young adults hard, and shelters often run on shoestring budgets. Critics argue resolutions without funding are empty gestures and want an actual VAWA reauthorization with real dollars instead. An alternative being debated: tying praise to specific grant increases. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.