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Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Ryan Costello (PA-06) and Gwen Moore (WI-04) launched the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, a new caucus bringing together members of Congress and key stakeholders dedicated to ending domestic violence, creating innovative prevention strategies, and strengthening resources for survivors and their children.

“Domestic violence does not discriminate. It impacts people of every age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and yes, political persuasion,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “It’s an honor to work with my colleagues Congressman Costello and Congresswoman Moore to begin these important conversations about domestic abuse and its wide-ranging implications. Our goal today, tomorrow and the day after is to end domestic violence, and we are fortunate to have the foremost domestic violence organizations ready to share how we can accomplish that goal. This is not a Democratic or Republican priority, and it is our hope that by engaging on a regular monthly basis with experts and our colleagues we can find new ways to collaborate and move closer to communities that are free from violence and assault.”

“This working group will be an important forum for sharing ideas for legislation and other efforts that can reduce domestic violence in Pennsylvania and across the country,” said Congressman Costello. “I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Dingell and Congresswoman Moore to advance solutions that can result in real change for survivors of domestic violence and their families.”

“Since coming to Congress, one of my primary passions has been freeing our communities from the terror of domestic violence,” said Congresswoman Moore. “This bipartisan working group takes a critical step forward to achieving that goal. I am hopeful that we will build innovative solutions that lift up survivors and protect future generations from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.”

Facilitated by the National Task Force to End Domestic Violence, the working group will convene each month to receive presentations from experts representing diverse domestic violence issue areas, including immigration and forced marriage, LGBTQ issues, campus sexual assault, violence against those with disabilities and violence in tribal communities. The working group will explore the policy implications around domestic violence and ways Congress can craft legislation that supports survivors and establish prevention programs for future generations.

During the first working group meeting today, Members received a presentation by the National Task Force to End Domestic Violence on gender-based violence. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations also provided an update on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Next month’s working group meeting will focus on the nexus between domestic violence and firearms.