SAMPLE
LETTER TO CONGRESS
Violence
Against Women Act
Date
The Honorable [Senator’s/Representative’s Name]
United States
[Senate/House of Representatives]
Washington,
D.C. [20510/20515]
Dear [Senator’s/Representative’s
Name]:
Over the past 10 years Congress has responded
positively and effectively to help end domestic violence in our communities by funding Violence Against Women Act programs. In recent years the success of these programs has resulted in a growing demand for
the life-saving services they provide. However, this increased demand coincides
with a series of budget cuts that have crippled many local organizations, and forced others to close completely.
Programs such as the National Domestic
Violence Hotline, battered women’s shelters, and trainings for police, prosecutors and court officials have contributed
to the decline in domestic violence since VAWA was first authorized in 1994. VAWA
is more than good social policy; it is also good fiscal policy. The first VAWA
authorized in 1994, saved nearly $14.8 billion in net averted social costs. Full
funding for all VAWA programs is a crucial investment in our communities, one that saves lives, saves money and save the future
of our nation.
Unfortunately,
in the FY’05 Congressional Budget, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) received $126.7 which is
$48.3 million below the authorized level fo #175 million. STOP grants were cut
by $16.1 million from FY,03 amounts. The victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA) is
a key non-taxpayers funding source for services that helps victims cope with the trauma and aftermath of violent crime, and
is capped at $650 million. This funding simply does not meet the need for emergency
services. The President’s Budget would eliminate the balance of this fund,
destablilizing critical services for victims of all types of crime.
[Insert information,
statistics, and/or stories describing the need for increased VAWA funding in YOUR community.
How will the cuts in funding affect your program? Your communities response
to domestic violence? Do you have a personal story? Let your voice be heard!]
Without full funding for VAWA programs,
women and children in [your city and/or state] , cannot access the services they need
to escape from violence. The continued support of Congress is crucial to helping victims and their children find safety and
security and build self-sufficiency. Please support full funding for all VAWA
programs.
Sincerely,
Your Name
(Letter
Adapted from National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Letter)