Frankel, Kim Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support Domestic Violence Survivors in Religious Communities

Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Emerita, and Young Kim (R-CA-40), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen support for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in religious communities. The bipartisan Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act would establish a dedicated National Resource Center through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in faith communities. The Center would provide training, technical assistance, and resources to religious institutions, victim service providers, and community partners to better address domestic violence and support survivors from faith communities. “Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault deserve support that meets them where they are, including in their places of worship,” said Rep. Frankel. “For so many, faith is a source of strength and healing. This bipartisan bill would help faith-based organizations better support survivors, expand access to critical support, and ensure that survivors across religious communities can find safety, dignity, and the tools they need to rebuild their lives.” “Survivors of domestic violence deserve compassionate, culturally attuned care,” said Rep. Kim. “That’s why I am proud to support the Supporting Survivors from Faith-Based Communities Ac t, which empowers trusted faith-based organizations on the front lines. These groups provide critical safety, counseling, and support to individuals and families in crisis, helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.” “For too long, the unique experiences of survivors in faith communities have been overlooked in federal law,” said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. “We and our Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence are proud to have worked with Representatives Frankel and Kim to develop the Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act . We applaud their bipartisan leadership and consistent commitment to standing with women and girls.” While the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has established grant programs to support different demographic groups that face unique challenges when addressing domestic violence, there is currently no dedicated program for survivors in communities of faith. Individuals in religious communities often face distinct barriers when seeking help, including navigating religious practices and accessing services that align with their faith. For example, survivors across many faith traditions may require accommodations related to dietary laws, modesty, or access to gender-specific counseling, all of which can affect their ability to seek safe and appropriate support. Reps. Frankel and Kim were joined by six original cosponsors: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24). This bill is supported by leading faith-based and domestic violence advocacy organizations, including Jewish Women International (JWI), Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA), Shalom Task Force (STF), Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), The Dinah Project, Catholics For Family Peace Education and Research on Domestic Abuse, Peaceful Families Project, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd (U.S. Region), Domestic Violence Outreach (DVO), Hope Rise Thrive, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (NAC), Pax in Familia, and Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse. For full text of the bill, click here .