releases: https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-bill-empowers-domestic-violence-victims-to-seek-help
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-bill-empowers-domestic-violence-victims-to-seek-help | Rep. Van Epps’ Bill Empowers Domestic Violence Victims to Seek Help | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | TN | Matt Van Epps | V000139 | vanepps.house.gov | vanepps | https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington D.C.—Today, Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) introduced the Screening Harm, Identifying Escalating Lethality Danger (SHIELD) For Victims Act. This legislation would implement an evidence-based intervention program used by first responders to identify victims of intimate partner violence called a Lethality Assessment. Under the Lethality Assessment protocol, victims identified as being at high risk are immediately connected with a domestic violence crisis hotline. This on-the-spot intervention gives victims an opportunity to speak with an advocate, develop a safety plan, and access resources while law enforcement officers are still present. Rep. Van Epps said, “Nearly one in four women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Even more disturbing is how often domestic violence turns deadly. In 2021, intimate partners were responsible for 34% of all murders and nonnegligent manslaughters of women in the United States. It is clear that more must be done to combat domestic violence. That is why I introduced the SHIELD For Victims Act. This legislation trains federal law enforcement officers to conduct a Lethality Assessment when encountering a domestic violence situation. Lethality assessments and similar interventions have proven to reduce the homicides of women by an intimate partner by 40 percent,” he continued. The Congressman concluded, “I am confident that connecting domestic violence victims with resources while in the presence of law enforcement will empower them to protect themselves and their children from an abuser. Taking away an abuser’s ability to intimidate or manipulate is crucial. Domestic violence resource centers can help victims find safe housing and transportation, develop safety plans, and navigate the court system. This bill won’t just help shield victims from domestic violence; it could help them build a new life.” Sharon K. Roberson, Esq., President and CEO, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, said, “For more than a decade, YWCA Nashville has partnered with the Metro Nashville Police Department through the Lethality Assessment Program, and we know firsthand that this saves lives. When law enforcement is trained to recognize the warning signs of escalating danger, they can quickly connect victims at the highest risk of being killed with advocates and service providers like the YWCA and our Weaver Domestic Violence Center. The SHIELD for Victims Act would bring this proven, life-saving approach to individuals and communities that interface with federal law enforcement.” Chief John Drake, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, said, “Conducting proven lethality assessments in response to intimate-partner violence saves lives and breaks cycles of abuse. That’s why the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, in coordination with counselors and victim advocates, has been conducting lethality screenings for years. All Nashville police officers have been trained in the process. Expanding lethality assessment protocols nationally through the SHIELD for Victims Act will help make families and communities safer.” | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |