Nikema Williams: “Everyone, inside Congress and out, has a duty to stop domestic violence. Those of us in the House of Representatives can…”

“Everyone, inside Congress and out, has a duty to stop domestic violence. Those of us in the House of Representatives can fulfill that duty today by voting to reauthorize and strengthen the Family Violence and Prevention Services program. Sadly, Atlanta experienced what researchers at Emory University called the ``co-occurring pandemics'' of COVID-19 and domestic violence. The victims of both were disproportionately in marginalized communities. A strengthened Family Violence and Prevention Services program may have prevented those acts of violence in the first place. This bill's expanded resources will support organizations like the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, and everyone else working in the Fifth District to end domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence, I want you to know you are not alone. Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 800- 799-SAFE or text ``START'' to 88788. Thank you to my fellow Georgian Lucy McBath and to Chairman Bobby Scott for their leadership in advancing this crucial legislation. I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act because there are not two sides to this issue. You are either opposed to domestic violence or you aren't. The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.…”