Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) 

October 11, 2024

A Message from Amy Sánchez, CEO of the Battered Women's Justice Project 

This October, we proudly celebrate 40 years of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the first federal legislation dedicated to supporting emergency shelters and services for victims of domestic violence and their families. Over the past four decades, FVPSA has been a cornerstone in the national movement to prevent and address domestic and sexual violence. Through the dedicated leadership of the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), critical resources have reached survivors and strengthened the capacity of health and social service agencies to respond effectively. 

FVPSA’s legacy is one of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment. It has facilitated system improvements, fostered knowledge sharing, and enhanced coordination among programs that support survivors, families, and communities across every U.S. state and territory.  

The FVPSA program’s capacity-building efforts have led to system improvements, increased knowledge sharing, and enhanced coordination among domestic violence programs, health, and social service agencies. FVPSA-funded grantees provide shelter, emergency services, community-based supports, and expert technical assistance in every U.S. state and territory. This funding has enhanced how health centers, Head Start programs, child support agencies, and TANF agencies address domestic and sexual violence and connect clients to community resources and hotlines. 

The Battered Women’s Justice Project is proud to be a member of the Gender-Based Violence Resource Network (GBVRN), a collective of FVPSA-funded resource centers committed to strengthening domestic and sexual violence intervention and prevention efforts at individual, community, and societal levels. Member organizations include: 

• National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center 

• Pouhana O Nā Wāhine (PONW) Native Hawaiian Resource Center 

• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence 

• Battered Women’s Justice Project 

• Caminar Latino-LUPE, home to the National Center to Advance Peace for Children Youth and Families (NCAP) 

• National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence  

• National Center on Domestic Violence Trauma & Mental Health  

• Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence  

• Esperanza United  

• Mujeres Latinas en Acción  

• Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition  

• National Organization of API Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV)  

• Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community  

• National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault  

• National LGBTQ Institute on IPV  

• Promising Futures 

• National Network to End Domestic Violence 

• Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center  

• STTARS Indigenous Safe Housing Center  

• National Capacity Building Center on Safe and Supportive Housing for Survivors  

• National Alliance to End Sexual Violence  

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center  

• National Domestic Violence Hotline  

• StrongHearts Native Helpline 

Through FVPSA funding, countless survivors have found refuge in shelters, received life-saving services, and connected with resources tailored to their specific needs. This monumental law has also enabled agencies like health centers, Head Start programs, and child support services to better address domestic and sexual violence, creating stronger safety nets for survivors. 

As we mark this historic milestone, BWJP applauds the continued commitment of OFVPS to expanding survivor access through initiatives like the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These efforts have brought additional sexual assault services and prevention funding to programs nationwide, ensuring survivors are met with compassion, support, and the resources they deserve. 

Together with our GBVRN partners, we are honored to celebrate 40 years of FVPSA’s transformative impact. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our dedication to co-creating a future where violence, racism, and oppression have no place. Here's to 40 years of progress and many more ahead in the fight for a world free from violence. 

Warmly, 
Amy Sánchez 
CEO, Battered Women’s Justice Project

 

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