Virginia senators push to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault during stay-at-home order

Posted: Apr 13, 2020 / 09:03 PM EDT / Updated: Apr 13, 2020 / 09:03 PM EDT

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., left, and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., right, confer on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, following an event with the Senate Democratic Caucus to urge Republicans to support a “clean bill” to fund the Department of Homeland Security as that agencies budget expires later this week, in Washington. The […]

VIRGINIA (WAVY) — Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine joined a group of more than 30 colleagues asking for future legislation addressing COVID-19 that would include support for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The pair shared the concern after multiple groups working to victims and survivors noticed abusers using COVID-19 as a way to isolate their victims. According to the groups, abusers are withholding financial resources and refusing medical aid. Rape crisis centers are also seeing an uptick in calls and law enforcement is receiving increased calls related to domestic violence.

RELATED: Domestic violence agency shares tips for survivors after uptick in deadly domestic-related shootings

“While this funding (CARES) provides critical resources, the legislation did not include any additional support for sexual assault or domestic violence-related programs funded through the Department of Justice.”
Sen. Kaine and Sen. Warner

Kaine also joined another bipartisan letter Monday in support of domestic violence programs authorized by the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act at the Department of Health and Human Services.

RELATED: WAVY Domestic Violence Awareness Coverage

In the letter, Sen. Kaine and others request future legislation addressing COVID-19 provide funding to support victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including through programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

“Following the urging of public health officials, approximately 95% of Americans are now living under a stay-at-home order to help prevent the spread of the virus. But for many, home is not a safe place.”
Sen. Tim Kaine

Here are some local and national resources for victims in need of help.

YWCA South Hampton Roads in Norfolk