Women Aware CEO Phyllis Yonta, COO Maria Betanzos, and Director of Legal Resources Ellen Schwartz attended the first ever 2025 Washington Leadership Summit and Congressional Advocacy Day held by the Alliance for HOPE International in Washington, D.C. from March 3-6, 2025. The Women Aware team joined the Alliance and Directors of affiliated Family Justice Centers on Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Family Justice Centers offer a supportive experience for victims, enhance the efficiency of service provision, reduce victim recantation, increase offender accountability, and ultimately help reduce crime.
Briefings were delivered to Leadership Summit attendees from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn who announced their bi-partisan sponsorship of major legislation affecting the future of the Family Justice Center movement. This legislation, known as the Family Justice Center and Collaborative Communities Act, will set national standards for FJCs, ensure accredited FJCs are eligible for federal funding, and amend the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to guarantee that domestic violence victims receive forensic exams at no cost – aligning their rights with sexual assault victims.
During the three-day Leadership Summit, Women Aware met with U.S. Senator Andy Kim, U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s staff, U.S. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s staff, and U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross’ staff. During the meetings, Women Aware advocated for support of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. The Crime Victims Fund (CVF) supports millions of survivors annually and has declined 82% since 2017. The proposed act would replenish the 40% cut to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) which provides funding for life-saving victim assistance programs across the country. New Jersey and federal legislators were welcoming and shared their gratitude and support for the work done by Women Aware to assist victim-survivors in Middlesex County.
