November 19, 2021
Statement of Esta Soler,
President and Founder, Futures Without Violence
Contact: Lisa Lederer, 202/421-5825
House Passage of Build Back Better Act a Major Step in Making Families, Communities Safer and Healthier, Supporting Survivors of Violence and Abuse – Now Senate Must Pass Bill as Well
“Today’s passage of the Build Back Better Act by the House of Representatives is truly a historic moment in our work to reduce violence, heal those harmed by trauma, and offer women, children and families lives that are safe, healthy and free from abuse. By providing economic stability and supports to low income women and children and building the capacity of schools, communities and health systems to care for those who have been harmed by violence, we may finally be able to turn the page on the often intergenerational pain and suffering of so many who experience violence and abuse. The programs Build Back Better supports will make critical investments in families and communities of color, who are among those most harmed by the pandemic, violence and systemic racism.
Among many other essential programs, Build Back Better includes:
- The refundable Child Tax Credit, which will help 39 million families support more than 60 million children, and particularly benefit mothers who may be experiencing violence or be at risk of losing custody of their children;
- Housing vouchers for more than 300,000 households with low incomes, including about 80,000 new housing vouchers specifically for people at high risk, including those experiencing domestic violence or who have been trafficked;
- $5 billion for targeted programs to reduce violence in the communities that have been hardest hit by homicides;
- Targeted maternal health programs, which will help save the lives of those who are pregnant and newborns, with a particular focus on addressing the devastating rates of maternal mortality experienced by Black and Native women; and
- Major investments to build the mental health workforce to help children, youth and adults who are suffering from trauma and loss. We thank President Biden and Speaker Pelosi for their bold vision and steadfast determination. We now call on the Senate to pass this bill right away. “
# # # #
ABOUT FUTURES WITHOUT VIOLENCE:
For more than 35 years, FUTURES has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Striving to reach new
audiences and transform social norms, FUTURES trains professionals such as doctors, nurses, judges and athletic coaches on improving responses to violence and abuse. FUTURES also works with advocates, policymakers and others to build sustainable
community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships.
