Moore, Shaheen, Murkowski, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, Underwood, and Adams Introduce Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act
This April, during Sexual Violence Awareness Month, Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Alma Adams, PhD (D-NC-12) introduced the Protect Moms from Domestic Violence Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation supports research to understand how intimate partner violence (IPV) affects maternal mortality and provide policy proposals to help save lives. The bill also would fund $15 million in grants to programs that improve maternal and child health outcomes of survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
“Intimate partner violence is a pervasive issue affecting millions of women each year and can be especially dangerous and deadly for pregnant women. Despite this, there is a lack of research to fully understand its impacts on the health and well-being of postpartum mothers. Our legislation aims to close this research gap and support effective interventions that serve impacted mothers and their children,” said Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).
“Maternal health cannot be separated from a mother’s safety. Pregnancy and postpartum recovery should be defined by care and support, not fear and danger. Intimate partner violence is a direct threat to maternal health and child well-being, and protecting mothers means confronting that threat with the urgency and action survivors deserve. In working with our PA-1 survivor advocates and organizations, we’ve identified the need for a more connected response—one that recognizes maternal health, child well-being, and survivor safety as inseparable. This bipartisan legislation reflects that work and our shared commitment to standing with survivors, protecting families, and helping save lives,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).
“It’s unacceptable that research linking maternal and child health outcomes to the physical and mental trauma of intimate partner violence is still lacking despite the alarming prevalence of sexual assault among pregnant women and the danger posed to mom and baby alike,” said Senator Shaheen (NH). “I’m so glad that Senator Murkowski has joined me in this important bipartisan effort to help us better understand the impacts of intimate partner violence on pregnant women so that we can better support survivors and protect the health and the safety of their children.”
“I am a survivor of intimate partner violence; this issue is very important to me,” Rep. Adams, Co-Founder of the Black Maternal Health Caucus (NC-12). “I am proud to work with my fellow members of Congress to address maternal mortality and pursue a greater understanding of what being a domestic violence survivor means for pregnant women and their children. These women deserve our support.”
Endorsing organizations: Futures Without Violence, National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, American Medical Women’s Association, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Legal Momentum, National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), YWCA USA, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC), National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)), National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Jewish Women International, Restoration Diversion Services, Ser Familia, Inc, Utah Department of Health, Academy on Violence and Abuse (AVA), Seattle Indian Health Board, Living Springs Counseling, YCC Family Crisis Center, Agape Doulas LLC, Michigan State University, Contra Costa Regional Medical Senter, Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES), The Retreat, Inc, Center for Community Solutions, Greater Boston Legal Services, Sierra Community House, Just Solutions, Esperanza United, Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence, Melinated Moms, ROCA Inc.
Read more on the Protect Moms from Domestic Violence Act here.
Read quotes of support from endorsing organizations here.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore
