Dear Supporter,

Coronavirus relief efforts hang in the balance. Your message got through to Congress—now let’s make sure the Senate hears that survivors need urgent help!   

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updated version of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act (H.R. 8406). This federal coronavirus (COVID-19) relief package includes priority funding and policy requests that address the ongoing, critical needs of survivors during the pandemic. Though the House trimmed over $1 trillion from the initial bill it passed in May, provisions for survivors have actually improved. The strengthened provisions are a direct result of your tireless advocacy.

But you have seen the news -- the work is not over.

Now we must urge the Senate—pass the updated HEROES Act to help survivors be safe in the pandemic.

We still need your voices! The back and forth of COVID-19 relief negotiations continues and there is uncertainty of whether another COVID-19 relief package will be passed before the election. Tell your Senators TODAY that any delay on the COVID-19 relief bill is unacceptable. This bill contains provisions that will support survivors during the continued difficulties and dangers of this pandemic. We’ve made it clear to Congress that the needs of survivors must be prioritized—now let’s make sure the Senate acts.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive up increases in domestic violence, survivors and advocates need a relief package NOW. The updated HEROES Act includes funding for domestic violence and sexual assault programs, including organizations serving survivors in Communities of Color who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The package also includes a statutory fix that would increase deposits into the Crime Victims Fund, which means that there will be consistent funding for victim services. The bill includes provisions to protect immigrant survivors and includes economic supports and needed policies for unemployed, underemployed, and low-income families.

Congress needs to know that the health and security of survivors cannot wait any longer. Email your Senators today.

Survivors have waited long enough—facing the pandemic, economic hardship and domestic violence at the same time. Congress must pass the updated HEROES Act as a matter of priority to address survivors’ urgent housing, economic, health, safety, and other human needs.

Thank you for being a voice against violence and making a commitment to create lasting change.

For safety and peace,

Deborah J. Vagins
NNEDV President and CEO