Congressman Menefee Backs Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors

October 20, 2026 Press Release HOUSTON, TX — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) announced his support of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 and the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Both measures support efforts to protect survivors, prevent domestic violence, and keep families safe. “We need to do everything in our power to improve safety around survivors and their families, and stop this violence from ever happening in the first place,” said Rep. Menefee. “That means investing in early prevention, making sure a survivor has a safe place to turn the moment they ask for help, and ensuring our communities have the resources to break the cycle of abuse before someone gets killed. These bills will help make that happen.” According to the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), more than half of the survivors in Texas who sought emergency shelter were denied solely due to a lack of space. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 , led by Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), would support trauma-informed shelter and support services, strengthen the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and expand community-based prevention programs. Domestic violence is a public health crisis. Last year alone, 160 Texans lost their lives to domestic violence, leaving 223 children without one or both parents. Harris County recorded the highest number of intimate partner homicides of any county in Texas, underscoring the devastating toll this crisis continues to take on our communities. The National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution , led by Representative Al Green (TX-09), supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and calls on Congress to keep raising awareness of domestic violence and supporting programs to end it. Congressman Menefee remains committed to supporting the organizations and advocates working on the front lines to protect survivors, prevent domestic violence, and ensure that no one has to face abuse alone. As a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congressman Menefee also supports federal policies aimed at addressing the dangerous intersection of domestic violence and gun violence, including efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers and protect families from further harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org . ###