Bill would fund national center for faith-based abuse survivors

What does this do?

HR 8813 would establish a national resource center to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking who come from religious or faith-based backgrounds. The center would provide training and guidance to clergy, shelters, law enforcement, courts, and other organizations. The bill also directs the Attorney General to develop model state laws addressing religious divorce denial, where a spouse refuses to participate in a religious divorce process after a civil divorce is finalized.

Who does it affect?

The bill most directly affects abuse survivors in religious communities, as well as the clergy, shelters, legal professionals, and law enforcement who work with them. Nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and culturally specific groups, would be eligible to apply for grants to operate the center.

Why does it matter?

Without dedicated resources, religious communities and the professionals who serve them may lack guidance on responding to survivors whose faith shapes their experience of abuse and recovery. The religious divorce denial provision acknowledges that civil divorce does not always resolve a victim's legal or spiritual situation, leaving some survivors in prolonged vulnerable circumstances.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $2M in grants per year
• Funded 2027 through 2031
• Nonprofits are the recipients