Dear Supporters,
I am thrilled to share my recent experience attending the 2024 National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Advocacy Days. This event, cohosted with the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), took place in Washington, DC on June 11th and 12th. It was an incredible opportunity to advocate for the vital federal funding needed to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Importance of Federal Funding
The primary focus of the Advocacy Days was to secure increased federal funding for domestic violence and sexual assault services. As we have previously discussed, the Crime Victims Fund, established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), is facing a 40% decrease this year. VOCA is a major source of funding for organizations like SafeHouse all over the country. NNEDV trained all Advocacy Days attendees, including myself, to effectively engage in meetings with members of Congress and their staff. We aimed to make a compelling case for why more resources are essential for our work in supporting survivors and preventing future violence.
Engaging with Lawmakers
Advocacy Days gave over 200 coalition members throughout the country the opportunity to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. These meetings allowed us to present our stories, share the challenges we face in our communities, and underscore the critical need for federal support.
Networking with Coalition Members
Advocacy Days also provided an invaluable chance to network with Coalition members from across the country. I had the honor of getting to know Derek Osborn, the Executive Director of Turning Point Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Jawandalyn Brooks, the Executive Director of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV), as well as other ACADV staff members.
An Honor to Represent Alabama
I was particularly honored to be invited to attend this event by the ACADV, alongside Derek Osborn. This invitation was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at SafeHouse. It was a privilege to represent our state on such a significant platform.
Moving Forward
As we continue our work, the connections made and the knowledge gained during the NNEDV Advocacy Days will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts. The fight for increased federal funding is ongoing. However, with the solidarity and support of coalitions nationwide, we are making progress. Together, we can ensure that survivors receive the comprehensive support they need and deserve.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission. I am excited to bring the momentum and insights from Washington, DC, back to SafeHouse as we work towards a future free from domestic violence and sexual assault.
Warm regards,
Janelle Sierra
Executive Director, SafeHouse
For More:
Read “From Isolation to Empowerment: My Journey at Advocacy Days 2024” by Mary Lu Schmid, Policy Coordinator at Esperanza United
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