As federal resources become available in response to COVID-19, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) requested that her home-state governor ensure the needs of Iowa’s domestic violence prevention programs are quickly and appropriately funded.
“We have heard from service providers across Iowa that the pandemic is intensifying the needs of survivors of domestic violence,” Sen. Ernst and her colleague U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) wrote in a June 4 letter sent to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “We request that as Iowa receives funding, grants and other federal assistance that will support our domestic violence programs, you will ensure this money is provided quickly in order to ensure Iowans get the assistance they desperately need.”
The lawmakers also requested additional resources to protect domestic violence victims.
“To effectively assist survivors, our communities need more resources,” Sen. Ernst and her colleague wrote. “They need to be able to provide safe, sanitary housing, find innovative ways to assist those who may be socially isolated, purchase supplies which are often out of stock or have increased in price, and maintain emergency 24-hour helplines.”
Importantly, they wrote, COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges of safely providing emergency shelter services, as well as helping clients avoid eviction and stay in their homes.
“Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children. It is critical that survivors of violence do not lose their safe housing during this time,” according to their letter. “Ensuring CARES Act and other federal funding is administered quickly and that the needs of survivors are specifically addressed in the allocation of funding is critically important.”
Federal law also includes robust housing non-discrimination provisions that protect domestic violence victims and service providers from discrimination in accessing housing and federal funds, according to the lawmakers’ letter.
“Domestic violence victims routinely face eviction for the actions of their abusers and both victims and service providers in Iowa have been limited in accessing services and funding to address the needs of survivors,” Sen. Ernst and Rep. Axne wrote. “While we must do more in these difficult times, it is important that the State of Iowa quickly and immediately distribute this funding to serve our vulnerable Iowans.”