Press Releases, Statements, and Action Alerts

New Report Highlights the Critical Role of Faith Communities in Combating Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Violence in response to the U.S. National Plan to End Gender Based Violence

Washington, D.C., 2/7/25 – The Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, a nationwide coalition of faith leaders and faith-based advocacy organizations, released a comprehensive report that underscores the pivotal role faith communities can play in addressing and preventing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DDVSAS) in the United States. This report was in response to the federal government's U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence to End Gender Based Violence, but the findings have implications beyond the Plan. The report outlines how the federal government can support and strengthen the efforts of faith communities and faith-based organizations to prevent and address DDVSAS by funding training and technical assistance, fostering partnerships, and ensuring survivor-centered, trauma-informed services are accessible to all survivors, including survivors of faith. 

Many faith-based organizations and leaders have become staunch advocates for justice, working tirelessly to end gender-based violence in their communities. These communities are uniquely positioned to provide holistic support—spiritual, emotional, and material—for individuals facing violence. With their extensive networks and deep commitment to care, faith communities are a critical yet underutilized resource in the fight against DDVSAS.

The report, based on feedback from an October 2024 online convening with faith leaders, faith-based advocates, and other stakeholders, highlights several key findings. Faith communities have a unique ability to offer both prevention and intervention services but often face challenges in responding appropriately to survivors' needs. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches while calling for government-funded training and technical assistance to build the capacity of faith communities to address DDVSAS effectively.

“Faith communities hold immense, untapped potential to be powerful allies in preventing and addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said the report’s lead author, Rachel Graber, Vice President of Government and Advocacy at Jewish Women International. “Rooted in values of compassion, justice, and care, faith communities and faith-based organizations support survivors, instill healthy interpersonal norms, and promote transformative change for perpetrators. The federal government must support faith communities as they engage their moral authority and collective resources to tackle violence, providing hope and safety for victims and survivors both within and outside of their communities.”

Download the report highlights here.

Download the full report here.

The Interfaith Coalition’s Statement on the Introduction of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 in the U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. – The Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (IC), convened by Jewish Women International and comprised of nearly 40 national faith organizations representing thousands of people of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Baha’i faiths, applauds Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for introducing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022.

As people of faith, we affirm the right of every person to live free from intimate partner violence. We believe this bipartisan consensus bill goes a long way in responding to the critical needs of victims and survivors. 

The House of Representatives passed their version of this bill, led by Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) in March of 2021. The Senate bill builds upon the House companion bill H.R. 1620 and maintains existing protections, as well as expands VAWA to address persistent gaps in the current law.

Despite being narrower, this survivor-centered bill is ground-breaking in many ways. It includes many historic victories that will prevent violence and increase access to services, safety, and justice. The legislation creates community pathways to justice; reaffirms tribal jurisdiction so tribes can hold non-native offenders of sexual assault, child abuse, and trafficking accountable; enhances implementation and enforcement of VAWA’s existing housing provisions and expands access to temporary and emergency housing; increases access for culturally specific communities; increases resources for prevention; provides tools to ensure adjudicated abusers who are prohibited from possessing firearms do not obtain new ones; maintains vital non-discrimination protections and includes a new LGBTQ+ grant program; and continues to invest in lifesaving services. 

The IC encourages the Senate to swiftly pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 and send it to the House for a vote.

Gender-based violence has no place in our faith traditions.

The Fragility and Isolation of Home

Interfaith Coalition Call for Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act