Press Releases

Modified Version of Moore’s Family Violence and Prevention Services Act Heads to Senate

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a modified version of Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s (D-Milwaukee) Family Violence and Prevention Services Act (FVPSA), to expand and improve services to victims of domestic violence and their families.

The House passed FVPSA unanimously as part of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.  The Senate is expected to pass the measure soon.

Congresswoman Moore said, “This is a huge victory.  Domestic violence shelters in Wisconsin and throughout the country have been absolutely stretched to their limits by increased demand, and they’ve been forced to turn victims away.  Passing this legislation shows victims of domestic violence that we stand with them and won’t stand for this anymore.” 

Highlights of the House-Passed FVPSA also in Moore’s original version include:

• Improving and expanding services for children exposed to domestic violence;
• Helping teenage victims by expanding services to include dating violence;
• Targeted, culturally-competent services specifically for victims in underserved communities; and
• Making it easier for shelters to apply for grants by bringing FVPSA language in sync with the Violence Against Women Act.

Moore continued, “Despite all of our gains, domestic violence is still a crisis.  One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her life.   In my state alone, deaths from domestic violence are the highest in a decade.  This bill won’t solve every problem, but it moves us forward in our fight to end domestic violence once and for all.”

Moore introduced FVPSA in November of 2009.   This fall, she appeared on the Dr. Phil Show to talk about the need for her legislation.  She was recently recognized for her leadership on this issue with an award from the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Moore has also written legislation that would help low-income victims escape domestic violence.  It is difficult for any victim to escape, but that’s especially true for low-income people.  Her legislation waives certain requirements of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program for victims of domestic violence, who often can be found by their abusers through program participation. 

She also worked to create the Brides Walk – an annual event held in Milwaukee – to help raise awareness of domestic violence in the Latino community.