Emmer Joins Bipartisan Letter Urging Additional Funding for Support Services for Sexual Violence Survivors

U.S. House of Representatives

(KNSI) – Sixth District Congressman Tom Emmer has signed a bipartisan letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate asking them to prioritize funding to help people who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

The lawmakers write that Congress’s efforts during the past year “have not provided adequate resources for programs and grants” that help survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence during the pandemic.

“Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions, business closures and other measures designed
to limit mobility and stop the spread of COVID-19 increase the risk of family violence and sexual assault,” the letter reads. “These measures coupled with increased unemployment, psychological stress and the negative social consequences associated with COVID-19 leave survivors extremely vulnerable during the pandemic.”

“I am disappointed that previous congressional efforts have not adequately addressed the need to fund this vital work, and I urge my colleagues to include targeted funding for the Office on Violence Against Women,” Emmer said.

The letter asks that $425 million be allocated for the Office of Violence Against Women and the Victims of Child Abuse Act in a future COVID-19 relief package.

Emmer is joined on the letter by several other lawmakers, including Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Third District Congressman Dean Phillips.

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