Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the critical role of victim service providers in the response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, by supporting victims through the physical, mental, emotional, financial, and legal challenges they may face in the aftermath of violence.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 933
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-05: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-09T13:47:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 933) expresses the House of Representatives' recognition of the vital role played by victim service providers in supporting individuals affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It highlights how these providers assist victims through various challenges, including physical, mental, emotional, financial, and legal issues following such violence.
Key Provisions
- Defines "victim service provider" based on the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 as a nonprofit, nongovernmental, or Tribal organization (including rape crisis centers, shelters, faith-based groups, and coalitions) that helps victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- Outlines the roles of these providers, such as:
- Being the first point of contact for victims seeking help after trauma.
- Offering trauma-informed care tailored to victims' needs (trauma-informed care means support that recognizes the effects of trauma and avoids re-traumatizing the individual).
- Connecting victims to services like legal advice, counseling, housing, mental health support, and medical care.
- Assisting with navigation of the criminal justice system (e.g., protection orders, restraining orders, divorce, child custody, prosecutions, and post-conviction matters), alternative dispute resolution (non-court processes to resolve conflicts), and safety planning to reduce future harm.
- Coordinating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations for comprehensive support.
- Notes challenges faced by providers, including historical underfunding and resource shortages that limit service quality and availability.
- Resolves that the House:
- Values and supports the essential work of these providers in helping victims heal mentally, physically, and emotionally.
- Acknowledges the need for meaningful investment in their operations to ensure consistent, quality care.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution that does not amend or create new laws. It reaffirms existing definitions from the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 but introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May encourage Congress to prioritize funding for victim services in future budgets, potentially affecting allocations from agencies like the Department of Justice, but has no immediate effect.
- On citizens: Could indirectly improve access to support for victims of violence by signaling congressional support, leading to better-resourced services that enhance safety, healing, and justice outcomes.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic-focused resolution.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victim service providers: Nonprofits, Tribal organizations, shelters, and coalitions that deliver direct support, benefiting from the expressed need for investment.
- Victims and survivors: Individuals facing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, who rely on these providers for holistic assistance.
- Community partners: Law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and other organizations that collaborate with victim services.
- Lawmakers and government: Members of Congress, particularly those on the Judiciary Committee, as it reinforces advocacy for related policies and funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a "sense of the House" resolution, it carries no legal weight or obligation, serving only as a formal statement of opinion without court enforceability.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing views on social issues under Article I, with no conflicts to separation of powers or individual rights.
- Political: Acts as a bipartisan signal (introduced by members from both parties) of support for victim advocacy, potentially influencing future legislation like reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act or budget debates on social services. It underscores ongoing concerns about underfunding without mandating action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-05: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-12-05: Submitted in House
- 2025-12-05: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the critical role of victim service providers in the response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, by supporting victims through the physical, mental, emotional, financial, and legal challenges they may face in the aftermath of violence. — issued 2025-12-05 — PDF (3 pages)