Attorney General Anthony Brown secured an agreement today with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect critical Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Last month, Attorney General Brown and a coalition of 20 other attorneys general sued the DOJ over unlawful new conditions that threatened to cut off certain legal services for survivors who could not prove their immigration status. The DOJ has since reversed course and agreed to a binding resolution guaranteeing the federal government will not apply the restrictions to states’ VOCA Victim Assistance and VAWA funds, ensuring that survivors can continue to rely on these crucial legal supports, regardless of immigration status.
For decades, these programs have enabled states to support survivors of sexual assault, human trafficking, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. These grants fund services such as legal representation for help with custody, housing, and safety planning to helps survivors escape abuse and rebuild their lives.
MCASA is relieved these critical programs will continue. MCASA’s Executive Director and Counsel, Lisae C. Jordan, expressed gratitude for the Attorney General's work, saying, "Anthony Brown has long been a true leader in efforts to support survivors of sexual violence. We are thankful for his efforts and the work of all of the attorneys general joining this litigation. ALL survivors need services."
