WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, along with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jim Costa (CA-16), and Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA). The legislation provides funding to Children’s Advocacy Centers to help victims of child abuse and strengthens law enforcement response to hold perpetrators accountable.
“So many child abuse victims are left without sufficient care and support at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in their lives. The perpetrators of these horrific abuses too often go free, compounding the trauma experienced by victims. That’s why I worked with a bipartisan group in Congress to provide essential funding to victims of child abuse and ensure they have the support they need. We must work to prevent these abuses in the future and hold accountable the criminals who have hurt so many.” said Wagner.
“It’s our responsibility to do all we can to protect children from abuse,” Costa said. “The Children Advocacy Centers in the San Joaquin Valley and nationwide are imperative to providing crucial resources and helping victims and survivors of child abuse. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that our children get the care and support they deserve to ultimately live happy lives. I am proud to lead this effort to continue serving our most vulnerable.”
“Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, including the more than 40 CACs in Pennsylvania, work tirelessly to protect children and provide critical assistance and services to victims of child abuse,” said Fitzpatrick. “Congress must act now to reauthorize VOCAA so that our law enforcement agencies have the resources required to bring perpetrators to justice and to ensure that CACs can continue their work providing child victims in our communities with the hope and crucial, life-saving services they need and deserve.”
Children’s Advocacy Centers coordinate the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases by utilizing multidisciplinary teams of professionals involved in child protection and victim advocacy services, law enforcement and prosecution, and physical and mental health.
Companion legislation in the Senate was introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roy Blunt (R-MO).
This legislation is also endorsed by numerous groups and organizations:
Children’s advocacy groups: National Children’s Alliance, National Children’s Advocacy Center, Northeast Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, Midwest Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, and Southern Regional Children’s Advocacy Center.
Law enforcement: Fraternal Order of Police, National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs’ Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
The bipartisan Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus works alongside allied organizations to identify, address, and elevate the needs of crime survivors through legislation, education, and public awareness. It also provides resources to members of Congress to help connect crime victims with local advocates who can provide needed assistance.