Rep. Sykes Reintroduces Key Domestic Violence Legislation During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Rep. Sykes Reintroduces Key Domestic Violence Legislation During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

AKRON, OH - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) is marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month by reintroducing the Safer Homes and Families Package, a comprehensive legislative slate consisting of three bills to protect survivors and strengthen support systems nationwide: the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, the Better Care for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, and the Break Free from Domestic Violence Act.

"Every person deserves to live free from fear and violence," said Rep. Sykes. "I'm committed to standing with survivors and delivering real solutions that help them rebuild their lives. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we honor the courage of survivors and highlight the urgent need for stronger protections. These bills reflect our promise to create safer communities where every person can heal, thrive, and live with dignity."

"In Ohio, where the state scores "Little Accountability" on survivors' financial security, federal protections are critical," said Maria York, Policy Director with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. "Survivors should never have to choose between safety and security. By removing financial and housing barriers, expanding trauma-informed healthcare training, and strengthening pathways to long-term stability, each bill addresses an important piece of the puzzle to ensure safety for families across the country. We are especially grateful to Congresswoman Sykes for introducing these bills and for her longtime support of the domestic violence programs in her district, including Hope and Healing of Summit and Medina Counties and Domestic Violence Project, Inc. in Canton."

"Each of these bills represents a critical step toward removing the barriers that keep survivors trapped in unsafe situations," said Teresa Stafford Wright, CEO of Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center. "The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, the Better Care for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, and the Break Free From Domestic Violence Act all recognize that safety, health, and financial stability are deeply interconnected. By expanding access to financial resources, trauma-informed care, and safe housing options, this legislation affirms that survivors deserve not only protection from violence but the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence."

The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act would lower the current 10-year marriage requirement for spousal Social Security benefits to five years for individuals who divorce due to domestic abuse. This change would prevent survivors from being financially penalized for leaving unsafe relationships and help them achieve economic independence.

The Better Care for Domestic Violence Survivors Act invests $50 million over five years in a pilot program to train healthcare providers in evidence-based, trauma-informed care. Because survivors often seek medical attention during or after abuse, this initiative would help healthcare professionals identify and support victims more effectively, potentially saving lives through earlier intervention.

The Break Free From Domestic Violence Act ensures survivors of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can break a lease without penalty, giving them the freedom to leave dangerous living situations without facing financial or legal consequences.

In Ohio, there were 114 domestic violence fatalities from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, including 15 children. In 2024, 1,199 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Summit County, and 1,501 in Stark County.

Rep. Sykes has long been a champion for survivors, earning bipartisan support and delivering tangible results. Last month, Rep. Sykes secured a $500,000 Transitional Housing Assistance grant for Domestic Violence Project Inc., providing critical resources to help survivors rebuild their lives. Her federal legislative work includes leading the Stop Electronic Stalking Act and the Skills Against Violence Act, both designed to strengthen protections, ensure accountability, and expand resources for survivors. She has also co-sponsored the Healing Partnerships for Survivors Act, Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act, Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution, & the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025. Throughout the appropriations process, she has been a strong advocate for funding for domestic violence and family violence programs, signing onto bipartisan requests for robust funding in FY26.

As a member of the Ohio House of Representatives prior to her time in Congress, Rep. Sykes authored Ohio H.B. 1, which became law and extended protective orders to victims of dating violence for the first time in the state's history.