WARWICK, R.I. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) recently reaffirmed his support for the Violence
Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCA).
"Abuse knows no race, gender or income level," said Langevin. "It can affect - and does affect - all kinds
of families. We have a responsibility to continue to support funding for programs that help Rhode Islanders in some of their most vulnerable and challenging times."
Langevin signed letters to the Appropriations Committee to:
- Urge full funding of VAWA programs ($320 million from the Department of Health and Human Services and $683 million from the Department of Justice) and to oppose the President's proposal to block
grant VAWA programs at the Department of Justice.
- Request $15 million for the VOCA within the Department of Justice, which provides funding for Children's Advocacy Center programs nationwide.
"I am extremely grateful for Congressman Langevin's continued efforts to promote funding of both VOCA and the VAWA," said Peg Langhammer, Executive Director of Day One, the Sexual Assault & Trauma
Resource Center. "His dedication and commitment to this issue is greatly appreciated by everyone at Day One, especially the children and families we represent."
Through these funding sources, Day One is able to deliver vital services to child and adult victims of sexual assault. VOCA provides essential support to its Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), a critical tool in the
investigation of child sexual abuse, while VAWA sponsors a wide range of activities to address cases of sexual assault against adolescents and adults.
"Day One's work has made it possible for many women and men to move beyond some very difficult circumstances and build a better life for themselves," continued Langevin. "It is critical to the safety of all
Rhode Islanders that they receive the appropriate funding to continue that work."
