H.R. 8813: Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act

The Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act aims to establish and operate a national resource center focused on supporting victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking within faith communities. Here is a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Key Findings

The bill recognizes several important points:

• A significant percentage of both women (41%) and men (26.3%) in the U.S. experience intimate partner violence or assault.
• Faith communities can offer critical support to victims, especially in underserved populations.
• Many survivors wish to address spiritual concerns while seeking help, but current advocacy often overlooks these aspects.
• Clergy members frequently serve as first points of contact for abuse survivors.
• Religious involvement can enhance psychological well-being for survivors, supporting their recovery.

Establishment of a National Resource Center

The legislation would create a national faith-based resource center that would:

• Provide education, training, and technical assistance to various stakeholders including faith communities, victim service providers, and legal institutions.
• Enhance the response abilities of service organizations and improve support for victims within faith settings.

Grants and Eligibility

The Attorney General would award grants to a consortium of eligible entities, which includes:

• Faith-based organizations with a proven history of trauma-informed care.
• Culturally specific organizations that may also include tribal organizations.

Entities applying for grants must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and autonomy of victims ahead of other considerations like family cohesion or privacy.

Use of Grant Funds

Funds can be used for:

• Training faith communities and institutions to recognize and address domestic violence and related issues.
• Developing and implementing prevention programs that align with faith teachings.
• Assisting victims in a victim-centered manner, including referrals to local services.
• Engaging victims for feedback through a victim advisory working group, ensuring that their experiences guide the center's efforts.

Model State Code Development

The bill mandates the creation of a model state legislative framework addressing religious divorce denial, aimed at ensuring victims can exit harmful situations without facing religious barriers.

Reporting and Evaluation

Consortiums receiving grants must report annually to the Attorney General on their activities and effectiveness. The Office on Violence Against Women is required to summarize these reports for Congress every two years.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $2 million annually from fiscal years 2027 to 2031 to support the initiative.

Prohibitions on Fund Use

Funds will not be used to advance any specific religion, religious viewpoint, or to promote religious practices, maintaining a separation of church and state.

Relevant Companies

None found.