Congresswoman Bush and St. Louis Organizations Host Telephone Town Hall on Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
WATCH: Congresswoman Bush, Organizations provide domestic violence prevention resources to constituents
Washington, D.C. (Feb. 2, 2024) — On Wednesday, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) hosted a telephone town hall, alongside several local St. Louis organizations, on domestic and intimate partner violence. Throughout this event, the Congresswoman and guest speakers shared information and resources available on domestic and intimate partner violence and spoke with and connected attendees with services as needed. Over the month of December, the St. Louis region saw an increase in domestic violence cases.
The organizations that participated in this tele-townhall, include: Safe Connections, Young Women’s Christian Association St. Louis (YWCA STL), Journey Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse (JADASA), Diamond Diva Empowerment, Lydia’s House, and Behavioral Health Response.
“We know that intimate partner violence is a longstanding problem in our community. There have been so many deaths in the District, many of whom are Black women and girls, but we know this impacts us all. This issue is a top priority for me,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush. “As we continue the long-term work of making a more peaceful and just community, I want to make sure that everyone has the resources and support they need to stay safe right now. That’s why I convened this town hall.”
“Domestic violence is something that happens in every community in every state. And it transcends gender, ethnicity, religion, and income. However, as Congresswoman Bush said, and I want to wholeheartedly echo, we also know there are communities and identities that may experience violence at higher rates such as women of color and LGBTQ+ folks,” said Emily Stoinski, Safe Connections.
“One in three teens between the ages of thirteen and eighteen experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence. Only 33% of teens who are violated disclose the abuse. Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they may not understand or can readily identify some behaviors as unhealthy or abusive. Which is why it is important for the community organizations, family, and faith-based institutions to rally together to help our teens understand the importance of boundaries,” Dr. Cynthia Bennet, Jadasa.
Please watch the full recording of the town hall HERE.
As a survivor of domestic violence, Congresswoman Bush has remained a steadfast advocate for legislation that protects and expands resources to victims and survivors of domestic violence:
- Last year, Congresswoman Bush secured nearly $700,000 in federal funding to improve the St. Louis 911 dispatch system to ensure they can more effectively respond to active threats, including instances of domestic violence.
- Last year, Congresswoman Bush and her Democratic colleagues worked hard to close the dating partner loophole as part of the most meaningful federal gun safety bill enacted in over 30 years.
- Congresswoman Bush is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment, a constitutional amendment that puts gender equality into the U.S. Constitution and would allow legislators to pass stronger laws to combat domestic violence.
- In July of 2021, Congresswoman Bush secured $5 million in housing vouchers to provide emergency housing for victims of domestic violence.
- In 2021, Congresswoman Bush’s amendments to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act were signed into law. Her amendments would prevent evictions for survivors of domestic violence.