“Healing can feel like an uphill battle, and we must do all we can to support survivors every step of the way,” said Shari Ware, domestic violence survivor and member of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “Communities most harmed by crime must be given resources so they have a fighting chance at a better future.”

“Healing can feel like an uphill battle, and we must do all we can to support survivors every step of the way,” said Shari Ware, domestic violence survivor and member of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “Communities most harmed by crime must be given resources so they have a fighting chance at a better future.”

“As a domestic violence survivor, I understand how unaddressed trauma can have a lasting impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones,” said Celina Jyoti, crime survivor and member of Arizona Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, who escaped an abusive marriage. “My children and I are still on the road to recovery after years of physical and mental abuse from my ex-husband. Arizona lawmakers must continue to support communities most harmed by violence by making sure that we have access to trauma recovery services and the resources that we need to heal.”

“For many crime survivors across Arizona, the current system simply doesn’t provide the level of support and safety needed to heal after a traumatic event. If we are to truly make our communities safer for everyone, we must protect those who are most vulnerable. Thanks to Governor Ducey, Representative Bolick, and Senator Steele, Arizona survivors seeking orders of protection now have more time to protect themselves and their families when they need it most.

“All crime victims should have access to the resources that they need to recover after experiencing violence,” said Aswad Thomas, vice president at Alliance for Safety and Justice and national director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “Thanks to leaders like Rep. Kahle and Rep. Slagh, more Michigan crime victims are a step closer to having the resources they need to heal. Not only will this legislation help families across Michigan – it’ll strengthen their communities, too.” 

“Today, the legislature reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of survivors and helping to stop cycles of violence,” said John Bauters, Arizona state director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice. “HB 2604 earned the support of crime victims because it was a common sense approach that meets their needs and improves safety for communities throughout Arizona. We thank Representative Bolick and Senator Steele for their advocacy on behalf of survivors. We look forward to Governor Ducey signing this critical legislation.”

“The past two years have been an especially challenging time for Illinois communities who have historically been underserved by the current public safety system. With the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating and stressing cycles of trauma, the need for increased investments in alternative approaches to safety has never been more urgent.”

“Far too many Illinois crime survivors lack the support they need to heal and recover after being faced with violence,” said Bertha Purnell, crime survivor and member of Illinois Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, who lost her son to gun violence. “When my son was killed, I wish I had access to the critical services that so many survivors need to get their lives back on track. Communities have been left behind, and our lawmakers must prioritize victims’ needs now more than ever.”

“Our elected officials must continue to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities are given a seat at the table on public safety,” said Candace S. Williams, Ohio state director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice. “When we don’t prioritize recovery and healing for survivors, the cycle of crime continues. These public safety solutions help address crime and violence at the root while working to make communities safer for all Ohioans.”

“Our elected officials must continue to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities are given a seat at the table on public safety,” said Candace S. Williams, Ohio state director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice. “When we don’t prioritize recovery and healing for survivors, the cycle of crime continues. These public safety solutions help address crime and violence at the root while working to make communities safer for all Ohioans.”