Letitia James leads a coalition of 21 state attorneys general to block new Trump-era restrictions on Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding. The coalition argues these restrictions threaten critical support services and violate federal law. The U.S. Department of Justice's new rules prohibit VAWA funds from being used for diversity and inclusion initiatives, potentially endangering help for vulnerable groups. VAWA has provided over $11 billion for survivor assistance since 1994 and is credited with a 64 percent reduction in domestic violence. The brief underscores VAWA’s positive impact on law enforcement training and resources.
Attorney General Letitia James stated, "This administration's illegal attempt to play politics with its funds will put the most vulnerable members of our communities in danger."
The new U.S. Department of Justice rules require organizations to certify that they will not use VAWA funds for out-of-scope programs that include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Since 1994, VAWA has channeled more than $11 billion toward survivor support, including shelters, hotlines, medical care, and legal services, credited with reducing domestic violence by 64 percent.
The brief emphasizes VAWA's role in transforming law enforcement's response to domestic violence through training and new forensic tools, training over 600,000 professionals annually.
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