JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

JWI advocated to prevent a $700 million cut to VOCA grants, which would translate to a 41% cut to victim assistance grants. We attempted to address the cut in the CJS bill and also the ash and trash section of the second minibus.

JWI advocated to prevent a $700 million cut to VOCA grants, which would translate to a 41% cut to victim assistance grants. While we have been trying to address through appropriations, we have also discussed the issue with Judiciary staff. JWI also submitted comments on OVC's proposed rulemaking related to victim compensation and will be submitting comments on behalf of the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence as well.

JWI has been exploring ways to combat disinformation online and has discussed the issue with Congressional offices. However, JWI has not yet identified a specific legislative agenda in this realm.

JWI is supported resolutions condemning the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians, with an emphasis on Hamas's sexual violence. JWI also supported and provided technical assistance on provisions to provide funding to victim services in Israel to support victims of sexual violence on October 7.

JWI's lobbying related to firearms is primarily focused on the intersection between domestic violence and firearms. We discussed implementation of BSCA and rulemaking on this topic with Congressional staff and led a letter to the Administration, urging DOJ to issue guidance to ensure BSCA's dating violence provisions are fully implemented. JWI is also working with Hill staff on a bill that has not yet been introduced to develop a process for victim notification when a domestic abuser fails a firearms background check.