At Mary’s Place in Seattle, Senator Murray Discusses Importance of Providing Economic Security for Domestic Violence Survivors

“Supporting survivors doesn’t just mean having programs to provide help—it means tearing down barriers so these programs are accessible to people who need them. There are so many women who want to seek help, who need to seek help—but are worried they can’t miss work, or can’t afford health care, or have no way to support themselves and their kids if they leave a dangerous situation. That is a hard, and heartbreaking reality—one that we cannot accept, and that I believe we can change. No survivor of domestic violence should feel forced to choose between their safety and their paycheck, their job, or their ability to support their family. That’s why I’m working to reintroduce my Security and Financial Empowerment for Survivors Act later this year—a bill that would increase survivors’ access to support and protections like those we have in Washington state.

I’m here today because it’s important to hear from survivors and from the people helping them get the support they need. Perspectives from here in Washington state help me make sure folks in the other Washington truly understand what is at stake, what people are going through, and what we can do to help survivors get the support and justice they need to heal. I’m going to make sure these voices, and this important discussion, are heard in the halls Congress.”

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