JWI Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Protect and Support Domestic Violence Survivors

Jewish Women International Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Protect and Support Domestic Violence Survivors

Washington, D.C. — Today, Jewish Women International (JWI), the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls, applauded the introduction of domestic violence legislation by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI), Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), and Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) to protect and support survivors of abuse.

The Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act would provide funding for states and localities to enforce the law prohibiting domestic abusers from possessing a gun, as well as allow law enforcement to remove a gun from a domestic violence situation.

The Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act closes a loophole in federal law that allows a domestic violence perpetrator to possess a firearm during a temporary restraining order, often the first recourse of survivors of domestic violence. Currently, a perpetrator of domestic violence can possess a dangerous weapon until a permanent restraining order is issued, leaving victims without protection when they are in the most danger.

The Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act allows survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking to take time off from work to receive services related to the abuse without penalty.

Jewish Women International CEO Lori Weinstein made the following statement:

“Domestic violence is a public health crisis with one in four women suffering severe physical violence by an intimate partner. I applaud the introduction of these bills, which will help protect women from violence and provide them with protection and economic security after violence has occurred. On behalf of JWI and our members across the country, I call on Congress to pass these bills immediately. The lives and livelihoods of countless women and children are at risk. The stakes could not be higher.”