ROYBAL-ALLARD HELPS SECURE $5 MILLION IN DEFENSE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS IN THE MILITARY
Responds to recent murders at Fort Bragg

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, along with Senator Wellstone, successfully fought to secure $5 million in funding for domestic violence programs in the U.S. military. Their efforts were spurred by the recent spate of murders at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

The string of murders has prompted a great deal of media attention and speculation as to the underlying causes. In an investigation of the murders, ABC news reporters found that a lack of confidentiality in the military deters perpetrators from coming forward. Abusers who ask for help worry that their supervisors will be informed and their careers will be jeopardized. In addition, victims who ask for help are concerned that the abuser will be told if they seek assistance. Sadly, this lack of confidentiality also puts the victims of abuse in danger of retaliation from the violent spouse.

"The rash of domestic violence homicides at Fort Bragg, North Carolina has horrified the nation," said Roybal-Allard. "These murders show that the military needs greater resources to prevent and combat domestic violence in the ranks of our uniformed services."

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard rallied 34 of her Congressional colleagues to put pressure on the Defense Appropriations bill conferees, who negotiated the final details of the military budget, to include the domestic violence provision. While the Senate version of the bill had included these funds, the House version did not.

The domestic violence provision allocates $5 million for victim advocates at military installations to provide confidential assistance to victims of domestic violence; provide multidisciplinary, impartial domestic violence fatality review teams for the Department of Defense; and require annual reports on domestic violence in the military to Congress.

"Unfortunately, America's military families do not have access to the same level of domestic violence services that are available in many communities," said Roybal-Allard. "The unique status of military families means that they are forced to navigate complex social service and legal systems while receiving few guarantees of confidentiality. I am pleased that Congress has responded to the tragic events at Fort Bragg by funding domestic violence prevention programs that may help save the lives of other military families."

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Congresswoman Roybal-Allard
Washington, D.C., Office: 2330 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Phone: (202) 225-1766. Fax: (202) 226-0350.
District Office: 255 E. Temple St., Ste. 1860, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3334. Phone: (213) 628-9230. Fax: (213) 628-8578.