Kilili, 3 others introduce anti-domestic violence bill: Funding for NMI expanded

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan is an original co-sponsor of legislation that will increase funding for domestic violence shelters in the Northern Mariana Islands and around the United States. Sablan, along with Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI), Aaron Schock (R-IL), and Judy Biggert (R-IL) introduced the reauthorization of the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act (FVPSA) on November 19. The bill is numbered H.R. 4116.

“Right now there is only one shelter in the Northern Marianas – on Saipan. Tinian and Rota do not have shelters; and that must be fixed,” said Sablan.

“The legislation I have introduced with Ms. Moore, Ms. Biggert and Mr. Schock will increase funding for the national program from $175 to $250 million. It also changes the allocation for the Northern Marianas, so we should be able to provide for Rota and Tinian.”

Under the provisions of H.R. 4116 the Northern Mariana Islands will receive the same minimum grant amount as a U.S. State, $600,000 per year, to prevent family violence, domestic violence and dating violence, and to provide immediate shelter and support to victims.

Currently, the NMI receives about $120,000 annually.

In addition the Northern Mariana Islands will be eligible to receive the same share as a U.S. State for grants to domestic violence coalitions. If the Act is fully funded at the $250 million authorization level, this could mean $446,000 for the Northern Mariana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

“Thank you for reaching out to us and thank you for movement on this issue,” wrote Ms. Maisie Bermudes, Chairperson of NMCADSV, who advised Kilili on the need for the legislation and the increased funding for the Northern Marianas.

“I hope that with the increased means, our communities will reach an end to domestic violence,” Kilili responded.

Other domestic violence advocacy groups are also praising the legislation.

“This is a vital step in ensuring safety and support for victims of domestic violence,” said the representative of the National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault. “We commend the great work of Congresswoman Moore, Congresswoman Biggert, Congressman Schock and especially the great leadership of Congressman Sablan for ensuring that critical services exist for women and children throughout the United States, including the U.S Territories.”

“We are very excited about this news, FVPSA is critical to the lives and safety of all women and children, and we are particularly thrilled that HR 4116 includes language to ensure equitable funding for all US Territories”, said Yolanda Bigio, President of La Coordinadora Paz Para La Mujer-Puerto Rico Coalition to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. “We know that much more work has to be done, but want to say ‘Gracias.’”

The bill has been referred to the House Education and Labor Committee, where Congressman Sablan is a member.