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Washington, DC -- Today, U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), along with co-lead Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), introduced the bipartisan Domestic Violence Public Health Emergency Guidance Act, legislation to provide guidance and resources to law enforcement agencies responding to increased levels of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In Virginia and across the country, we’ve seen a spike in calls to domestic violence hotlines and police during the COVID crisis as many survivors are isolated or trapped with their abuser,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “Keeping survivors safe means equipping law enforcement officials with the guidance and tools they need to respond safely and effectively to domestic violence calls while preventing the spread of this virus. In my career as a prosecutor, I worked closely with law enforcement on domestic violence cases, and the resources provided through this legislation will help them continue their lifesaving work under these unprecedented circumstances.”

“When I was a prosecutor, I saw my fair share of terrible crimes, but none haunt me more than those of domestic and sexual violence,” said Congressman Dave Joyce. “Unfortunately, the threat these crimes pose to our communities has grown exponentially as we’ve worked to rein in the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s critical that we give law enforcement - who are often the first responders to domestic violence incidents - the information and resources they need to effectively address the recent increase in these horrific crimes. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Wexton in introducing this important bill and urge the House to bring it to the floor as soon as possible for a vote.”

The Domestic Violence Public Health Emergency Guidance Act would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and relevant domestic violence and law enforcement stakeholders to issue guidance that highlights promising and model practices and resources that federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies can adopt to address domestic violence effectively.

The guidance will help law enforcement ensure the safety of survivors, their children, and the law enforcement involved while limiting the spread of COVID-19. It would include promising and model practices on limiting exposure to COVID-19, assessing and addressing domestic violence threats during the pandemic, enforcing domestic violence protective orders and child custody orders, and more. The bill would also create a resource guide focused on risk factors unique to COVID-19 that increase the chances of escalation and lethality in domestic violence, training and investigation tools for officers, vicarious trauma resources, and resources for survivors during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 public health emergency coupled with increased stress and anxiety from the financial burdens has made day to day life even more volatile and dangerous over the past year. Stay at home orders and closures which have been implemented to protect public health have left many survivors isolated or trapped with an abuser.

Law enforcement are often the first responders to domestic violence calls, and many agencies in Virginia and across the country have reported a significant increase in domestic violence calls since the pandemic began. According to the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, beginning in March 2020, Virginia’s statewide hotline saw a 73% increase in contacts. 

In addition to Wexton and Joyce, the Domestic Violence Public Health Emergency Guidance Act is cosponsored by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Andre Carson (D-IN), Jim Cooper (D-TN), Val Demings (D-FL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Alcee L. Hasting (D-FL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), and Susan Wild (D-PA).

The legislation is supported by Major Cities Chief Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, RAINN,  Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, and the Faith Trust Institute.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Virginia’s statewide sexual and domestic violence hotline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day the entire year. Survivors can call: 1.800.838.8238. Or they can text 804.793.9999 or chat online at www.vadata.org/chat. 

The 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Survivors who are unable to speak safely, can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

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