119-HR-8813 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 8813 Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act
H.R. 8813 would create a federally funded national resource center to help faith communities and victim-service providers prevent and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, with clear guardrails against proselytizing and $2M per year authorized for FY2027–FY2031; it was introduced on May 14, 2026 and sent to the House Judiciary Committee.
Public Summary
Headline Summary: Create a national resource center to help faith communities and service providers better support survivors of domestic and sexual violence—without funding religious promotion—and authorize $2 million a year to run it.
What It Does: The bill directs the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women to award a grant to a consortium (at least three organizations) to establish and operate a National Faith-Based Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking. The center would train clergy, faith institutions, and mainstream providers on trauma‑informed, victim‑centered practices; address issues like spiritual abuse, forced marriage, and “religious divorce denial”; and help agencies coordinate with faith communities. Funds cannot be used to proselytize or promote religion. The first year is limited to building the center’s basic staffing and systems. A separate section asks DOJ to publish model state legislation on religious divorce denial. Authorized funding is $2 million annually for fiscal years 2027–2031, available until spent.
- Who’s For It: Sponsored by Rep. Lois Frankel of Florida, with a group of co-sponsors from both parties (including Reps. Kim, Fitzpatrick, Krishnamoorthi, Randall, Salazar, Simon, and Wilson of Florida). Supporters say it tailors proven survivor services to the realities of faith communities, improves coordination with clergy and faith-based schools, and sets clear safety-first standards for any participating organizations.
- Who’s Against It: No formal opposition is recorded at introduction. Potential critiques could include concerns about church–state entanglement even with guardrails, duplication with existing DOJ training programs, or that eligibility rules might exclude some faith-based groups that emphasize family preservation over victim autonomy.
What’s Next: As of May 14, 2026, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee. It would need committee consideration and House passage, then Senate action, before heading to the President.
Discussion