H.R. 6301: Violence Impact and Vulnerabilities Assessment Study Act

This legislation, known as the VIVAS Act, aims to address gender-based violence in Puerto Rico through a comprehensive study conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States. The main goals and components of the bill are as follows:

Study Objectives

The bill directs the Comptroller General to conduct a detailed and culturally informed study focusing on:

• The prevalence, severity, and types of gender-based violence across Puerto Rico, examining demographic and geographic differences.
• Historical and recent trends in gender violence, particularly in the aftermath of significant events such as natural disasters, economic crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The impact of cultural norms, economic dependency, educational disparities, and inadequate infrastructure on the occurrence of gender violence.
• The effectiveness of current institutional responses, including those from law enforcement and social services, in protecting victims and preventing violence.
• Barriers to access prevention and justice, including under-reporting, service accessibility in rural areas, and the adequacy of trauma-informed services.
• The interaction between disaster events and increase in gender violence, including how infrastructure collapse and displacement can exacerbate the situation.
• Existing data systems related to gender violence, identifying gaps in reporting and recommendations for improvement.

Engagement with Local Organizations

The bill emphasizes the importance of involving local organizations in Puerto Rico. The Comptroller General is required to:

• Collaborate with various groups including women's organizations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and survivor-led initiatives.
• Organize community roundtables and listening sessions to gather input and ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard.
• Include local organizations in the research design and data interpretation processes.

Reporting Requirements

Following the completion of the study, the Comptroller General must produce two reports:

• An interim report will be published within 270 days of the bill’s enactment, summarizing preliminary findings.
• A final report, due within 540 days, will include comprehensive findings, analysis of data by municipality, and evidence-based recommendations for improving responses to gender violence in Puerto Rico.

Recommendations for Policy and Funding

The final report shall provide actionable recommendations, including:

• Enhancing prevention strategies through education and structural reforms.
• Integrating education into a multi-sectoral approach that links law enforcement, health, and social services.
• Establishing participatory oversight systems for transparency and public accountability.
• Collaborating on mechanisms between federal and local authorities to coordinate response efforts effectively.

Importance of Data Infrastructure

The legislation recognizes the need for a robust data infrastructure, proposing recommendations for establishing a unified system to collect, analyze, and publicly share data on gender-based violence, which can help in policymaking and resource allocation.

Scope of Gender-Based Violence

The bill explicitly notes that gender-based violence encompasses various forms such as physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological harm, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations, including women and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Funding Local Organizations

The study will assess the reach and impact of local initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based violence, examining challenges related to sustainability and funding, and providing recommendations for improving coordination and support for these organizations.

Conclusion of the Study

This comprehensive study will serve as a foundational document for understanding and addressing gender-based violence in Puerto Rico, offering insights that can inform federal and local policy and lead to improved strategies for prevention and response.

Relevant Companies

None found.