Cris, González-Colón provision to empower domestic violence survivors signed into law

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico) released this statement following inclusion of their legislation to empower survivors of domestic violence, making it easier for survivors and their families to replace vital documents like birth certificates and driver's licenses that were lost or went missing after fleeing an abuser. The legislation was included in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which was signed into law by President Biden on March 15. The language is based on Representative Crist's and Commissioner González-Colón's bipartisan Documents for Continued Safety Act H.R. 5630.

"Rebuilding your life after surviving domestic violence can feel insurmountable. That's why we should be doing all we can to lend a helping hand to survivors and their families," said Rep. Crist. "When fleeing violent and abusive situations, survivors often have little time to prepare, and often leave without their vital documents. After enduring such abuse, they should not be asked to pay replacement fees for things like birth certificates, drivers licenses, and passports. Thankfully, with the help of my amendment, these costs can now be covered, making it easier for survivors to turn the page on the past and write their new chapter."

"Providing the tools and resources to counter domestic violence and aid survivors has been a fundamental legislative priority for me," said Rep. González-Colón. "I'm pleased that Congress has approved the re authorization of VAWA and included our provision that would help eliminate barriers that affect so many survivors by allowing them access to their documentation to start a new life free from abuse. As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Women's Caucus, I will always support equality and safety for women."

"I express my strong support for this insightful, survivor focused amendment," said Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA. "This piece of legislation is vital to seeing survivors are safe and secure once they leave their abuser, and this particular amendment ensures that regaining legal documents after abuse, such as birth certificates or a driver's license, is a seamless process. CASA thanks Charlie Crist and the House of Representatives for passing this."

Specifically, the Crist provision clarifies that STOP grants through the Violence Against Women Act can be used to cover the fees associated with replacing driver's licenses and birth certificates for survivors of abuse and their children, providing survivors and their families with critical assistance as they build their life free of abuse.