What does Preamble of Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act do?

This bill establishes a grant program. The grant program aims to support the establishment and operation of a national faith-based resource center. The resource center will focus on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act do?

This section outlines findings related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. A significant percentage of American women (41%) and men (26.3%) experience intimate partner violence throughout their lives. Faith and faith communities are often important in the lives of individuals experiencing these forms of violence, particularly in underserved populations. Survivors often desire to discuss the spiritual aspects of their healing with advocates, but this is rarely addressed in advocacy programs. Spiritual and religious beliefs are frequently sources of resilience for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Clergy are often the first professionals approached by victims of domestic abuse. Religious involvement can positively impact the psychological well-being of domestic violence survivors.

What does NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, of Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act do?

This section establishes a National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking in Faith Communities. The resource center will provide education, training, and technical assistance to various stakeholders, including faith communities, victim service providers, and legal system personnel. Grants to operate the center will be awarded to a consortium of eligible entities, which must include at least two faith-based organizations representing different underserved faith communities and one culturally specific organization. Eligible entities must demonstrate a history of providing trauma-informed, victim-centered training and technical assistance and cannot prioritize considerations like family cohesion over victim safety. The center will focus on improving responses to victims with faith and enhancing the capacity of faith communities to prevent and respond to violence. Funds may be used to support victims with faith, provide culturally appropriate accommodations, and educate community members about legal issues related to religious divorce denial. During the first year, grant funds must be used to establish the center’s infrastructure and develop partnerships. Funds appropriated under this section are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

What does MODEL STATE CODE. of Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act do?

This section directs the Attorney General to develop and publish model state legislative language. The model language aims to address religious divorce denial. Development of the language will involve consultation with various stakeholders, including experts, advocates, victims, faith leaders, faith communities, and victim service providers. The model language must consider relevant religious laws and cultural practices. It is designed to be workable within affected faith communities and consistent with the Constitution.

What does REPORTING AND EVALUATION. of Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act do?

This section outlines reporting and evaluation requirements for grants provided under this Act. Consortiums of eligible entities receiving grants must submit annual reports to the Attorney General, starting one year after receiving the grant. These reports must include a description of activities conducted and populations served, as well as an assessment of the activities' effectiveness in achieving the Act's purposes. The Director of the Office on Violence Against Women must compile and summarize these reports and submit a report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees every even-numbered fiscal year, no later than November 1.

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Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Lois Frankel (D-FL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a national resource center to provide education, training, and technical assistance to faith communities, victim service providers, and legal professionals on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The bill directs the Attorney General to develop model state legislation addressing religious divorce denial, considering religious laws and cultural practices.
Grant recipients operating the resource center must submit annual reports detailing activities and effectiveness, with compiled summaries reported to Congress every two years.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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