The House of Representatives today adopted an amendment by Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) that would increase funding for a program to promote intimate partner violence response and health collaboration at the state level. The proposal passed with a large bipartisan majority.

“Addressing intimate partner violence requires a coordinated effort from all levels of government and the private sector,” Congresswoman Porter said. “I’m glad to join with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to support this key program that equips healthcare professionals to support survivors during some the scariest moments of their lives.”

The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Intimate Partner Violence Strategy aims to train healthcare professionals to address intimate partner violence (IPV), develop partnerships to raise awareness about (IPV), and close gaps in knowledge about IPV risks factors and impacts. It then presents a step-by-step toolkit for implementing practices consistent with these goals. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, more than 25% of women and 11% of men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes.

Her amendment has the support of YWCA USA, Futures Without Violence, National Health Collaborative on Violence and Abuse, National Council of Jewish Women, Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Violence Free Colorado, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence, and Community Health Service Inc. in Moorhead, Minnesota.

One of Congresswoman Porter’s top priorities has been the safety of women and children. Earlier this year, she voted to pass an extension for the Violence Against Women Act, which included an amendment to integrate the term “economic abuse” throughout the legislation. She also joined her House colleagues at an event announcing the introduction of the legislation to extend VAWA, where she shared her story dealing with law enforcement as a survivor of domestic violence. The House passed her first amendment on the House floor in February, which would require a report to Congress on the effect of firearm possession on victims of domestic violence.

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