Kuster Meets with NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Discusses Legislation to Support Granite State Survivors

Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) met virtually with members of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV). During the meeting, the group discussed NHCADSV's ongoing work for the Granite State and the reauthorization of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the primary federal funding stream dedicated to the support of emergency shelters and assistance for victims of domestic violence and their children. Last year, Kuster helped advance the FVPSA reauthorization in the House of Representatives. In 2021, NHCADSV served more than 13,000 individuals seeking support for domestic and sexual violence in New Hampshire.

"I want to thank all the incredible leaders of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for their hard work supporting survivors in our state, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Kuster. "There are countless barriers to recovery for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including addressing the long-term trauma associated with abuse. That's why the Coalition's work is so important. In Congress and here in New Hampshire, I will continue working to deliver lifesaving resources for crisis centers to provide the support survivors and their families deserve."

"We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Kuster and her colleagues in the House for their work to reauthorize FVPSA this past October," said Pamela Keilig, Public Policy Specialist at New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. "FVPSA serves as an essential funding stream to ensure survivors have access to life-saving resources, and it helps ensure New Hampshire's advocates can continue to meet the growing need for victims' services in cases that are increasingly complex and require long-term interventions. Advocates across the state have worked tirelessly to support those most impacted by domestic violence, and FVPSA reauthorization is an integral step in ensuring survivors' future success."

Rep. Kuster, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, is a resounding voice in Congress to support survivors and hold perpetrators to account. Kuster helped secure $180 million in Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funds for emergency shelter, housing, and other emergency supports in every state and territory and $198 million for rape crisis centers in the American Rescue Plan.

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