New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken action to defend funding for organizations that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. She has joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The brief argues against new Department of Justice (DOJ) requirements under the Trump administration that demand organizations certify they will not use Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding for services that do not align with the administration’s political agenda.
Attorney General James stated, “For decades, the Violence Against Women Act has helped protect domestic violence survivors and bring their abusers to justice.” She criticized the administration’s approach as an “illegal attempt to play politics” with funds meant for vulnerable community members.
The VAWA has allocated over $11 billion in its nearly 30-year history to train law enforcement and provide essential services such as medical care and shelters. The programs have been credited with reducing domestic violence by 64 percent since their inception.
The DOJ’s recent conditions on VAWA funds include prohibiting organizations from offering certain services labeled as “out-of-scope,” such as those promoting “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs” and “gender ideology.” The coalition contends these conditions undermine public safety by threatening prosecution against organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Attorney General James and her colleagues argue that these DOJ conditions contradict congressional updates to VAWA aimed at preventing discrimination. They are seeking a preliminary injunction from the court to stop these guidelines from being enforced.
Joining Attorney General James in this legal effort are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington State Wisconsin along with the District of Columbia.
