Mrvan Introduces Legislation to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan introduced H.R. 6097, the Safe Recovery Together Act. 

The purpose of this legislation is to support survivors by providing collaborative resources to address the adverse effects of domestic violence and create safe, supportive environments for families.

Specifically, the Safe Recovery Together Act would institute a federal demonstration grant under the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services to provide trauma-informed support that reflects the unique circumstances of survivors of domestic violence.  This program would address barriers to accessing care that survivors often face when seeking services in their time of need.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “I am proud to introduce the Safe Recovery Together Act to address the lasting impacts of domestic violence, including struggles with mental illness, substance use disorder, and housing instability.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and provide support and resources to survivors of domestic violence throughout our communities.”

Shenna Morris, Vice President of Policy & Systems Change at the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, stated, “The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence supports the introduction of the Safe Together Recovery Act.  We are particularly appreciative of the bill's intentionality to create pathways for safe housing and sustainability supports such as direct cash assistance.  Understanding the life-span ripple effect of domestic violence, this investment is a solution that addresses the interconnectedness of what survivors need to be safe and heal.”

Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA, stated, “As the largest network of domestic and sexual violence service providers in the United States, YWCAs have seen an increased need for substance use services within domestic violence programs and for closer partnerships in the community to support survivors and their families.  YWCA USA applauds the introduction of the Safe Recovery Together Act that seeks to support more integrative approaches to help families and thanks Congressman Mrvan for his leadership.”

Carole Warshaw, MD, Director of the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, stated, “Thank you to Rep. Mrvan for his leadership in support survivors of domestic violence and their families by introducing the Safe Recovery Together Act that highlights the substance-use related effects of domestic violence - including abuse specifically targeted towards a partner’s use of substances - and the critical need to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of more integrated, collaborative approaches.  Our Needs Assessment survey of the field found over 70% of domestic violence programs saw an increased need for mental health and substance use services, yet the vast majority felt unprepared to meet this critical need.”

The full bill text of the Safe Recovery Together Act is available here. 

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