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Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and David Joyce (R-OH) introduced the National Domestic Violence Prevention Action Plan Act to develop a nationwide strategy to prevent domestic violence. The bipartisan bill would strengthen federal resources for preventative measures, such as education initiatives and greater coordination efforts throughout government and with stakeholders. The plan would be the first nationwide initiative to take preventative action against domestic violence, supplementing existing robust support services for survivors.

Wexton and Joyce are introducing this bipartisan legislation at the conclusion of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which takes place in October.

“Domestic violence is a crisis that harms women, children, and families in every community in our country,” said Congresswoman Wexton. “As a former prosecutor and advocate for abused children, I have seen the scars domestic violence can leave on survivors, which is why I’m working now to take action to prevent this violence before it happens. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Joyce to lead this bipartisan legislation to take long overdue action and create a national strategy to prevent domestic violence and keep families safe.” 

“During my 25 years as Geauga County Prosecutor, I witnessed first-hand how these crimes impact the physical, mental, and economic wellbeing of survivors and their loved ones,” said Congressman Joyce. “It is critical that we take a more proactive approach to preventing domestic violence both here in Ohio and across the country. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill alongside Congresswoman Wexton that will help us do just that. As a co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, I will continue to do everything in my power to eradicate the threat posed by domestic violence.”

Approximately 41% of women and 26% of men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their life, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Many of these victims experience a range of lasting effects as a result of their abuse, including mental health challenges, substance abuse problems, and physical health issues that can last a lifetime.

The National Domestic Violence Prevention Action Plan Act would establish a comprehensive nationwide initiative to prevent domestic violence by expanding, intensifying, and coordinating prevention efforts among all levels of government and relevant stakeholders. The plan would provide resources for better data collection and launch a media campaign to better educate the public about key prevention issues, such as bystander empowerment, healthy and safe relationship building, and the importance of fostering protective environments. The legislation would also establish a steering committee to create and facilitate the implementation of the action plan and authorize $25 million per year through Fiscal Year 2029 to the Department of Health and Human Services to support the execution of the plan.

Wexton has long been a champion for victims of domestic violence throughout her career, from her time as a prosecutor and advocate for abused and neglected children. Wexton has also been a leader in Congress for securing additional resources for the implementation of the VOCA Fix Act, which restored critical funding to victim services agencies, and introduced bipartisan legislation to provide guidance and resources for law enforcement agencies responding to domestic violence during the COVID pandemic.

The full text of the National Domestic Violence Prevention Action Plan Act can be found here.

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