Public Policy

The funding levels for programs that benefit battered women and their children are determined by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, both of which have two subcommittees that oversee Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs. The House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (Labor/H) subcommittees oversee VAWA programs that are run by the Department of Health and Human Services and the House and Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and the Judiciary (CJS) subcommittees oversee VAWA programs that are run by the Department of Justice. These committees draft appropriations legislation in response to the President’s budget request, which represents the Administration’s spending priorities in a given year.

On May 8, 2009 more than 40 senators, led by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, sent a letter to Senate appropriators requesting full funding for the Violence Against Women Act and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. These two programs serve as the backbone of the nation’s response to domestic and sexual violence. Included in the request are prevention programs championed by the Family Violence Prevention Fund including Services for Children Exposed to Violence, Engaging Men and Youth in Prevention and Services to Advocate for and Respond to Youth, as well as our landmark health programs funded through the Department of Health and Human Services.

We ask Congress to heed the call of these committed Senators and fully fund the Violence Against Women Act and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act in Fiscal Year 2010. 

Follow links below for current budget and appropriations information for VAWA programs:

• Department of Health and Human Services – Violence Against Women Funding
• Department of Justice – Violence Against Women Funding
• VAWA Appropriations for Fiscal Years 2007, 2008 and 2009