“Today’s passage of HB 2032, and the expanded access to victims compensation which passed in HB 2464, are a testament to the advocacy and courage of so many survivors who made their voices heard. What survivors need most while recovering from trauma is to be in control and empowered in their healing process. This is the first step in reducing barriers to healing and adopting safety policies that work.”

“Today, Michigan reaffirmed its commitment to our most vulnerable crime victims, standing with them when they need our support the most. This is a victory for the thousands of crime victims in our state who have advocated for years for more help for crime victims in the communities most harmed by violence. We would like to thank Senator Rick Outman for his leadership in making this happen. “

“The physical and emotional trauma that results from victimization can at times seem insurmountable. The impact of violence can ripple across a survivor’s life, affecting their jobs, homes, families, and livelihoods. It is in these vulnerable moments when survivors need the most support to fully heal from violence.”

“The Bipartisan Safer Community Act is crucial and we applaud the leaders taking action to enact this legislation. This can be built upon to expand much needed support for victims of violence,” said Shakyra Diaz, Chief of Federal Advocacy for the Alliance for Safety and Justice.

“Being a crime victim can be an overwhelmingly traumatic experience, and people often need as much help as possible in their healing journey. True public safety isn’t possible unless you support crime victims, address trauma in communities, and address the root causes of crime. SB 708 brings Pennsylvania closer to achieving these goals and lifting up survivors when they need it most. We thank Senator Bartolotta for working with us to address victims’ needs, and we look forward to the legislature passing this bill to make Pennsylvania safer for all,” said Alexandra Abboud, local crime survivor and Pennsylvania state manager for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice.

“Pennsylvania needs to do more to help victims of violent crime,” said Alexandra Abboud, Pennsylvania state manager for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “We’ve seen in every corner of this state that survivors and families need support to heal and recover after violence. The Safer Pennsylvania Act will ensure that they have the crucial resources to get their lives on track and lift up their communities.”

“Safer communities aren’t possible until we fully support victims in their greatest time of need,” said Aswad Thomas, vice president of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and national director for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “HB 2032 provides a critical fix to an admirable law – further protecting the safety and privacy of sexual assault victims as they heal from violence. We thank Representative Schroeder and members of the House Judiciary Committee for standing with victims and empowering them to take control of their recovery. We look forward to working with the legislature in passing the other components of the Safer Pennsylvania Act, so we can further reduce barriers to help and healing.” 

“We’ve seen the life-altering impact that the trauma recovery model has had for survivors accessing services to help them recover from violence. Thanks to Representative Toma and Governor Ducey, we can now start the process of bringing this proven model here to Arizona.”

“Today is a victory for Michigan crime survivors and those striving to make our communities safer. The facts have been clear – Michigan has been one of the worst states for victims trying to access victims compensation after experiencing a crime. Lack of access and inadequate support left many survivors behind as they struggled to heal.

“Today, Arizona is sending a clear message – survivors matter and we must address trauma if we are to make our communities safer,” said John Bauters, Arizona state director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice. “We know that unaddressed trauma leads to revictimization and even contact with the justice system. HB 2594 is the first step in prioritizing trauma recovery as a vital part of public safety in our state. We thank Representative Toma for standing with survivors as we continue our work in making Arizona safer for all.”