Reps. Sykes, Joyce Introduce Fair Social Security For Domestic Violence Survivors Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Dave Joyce (OH-14) introduced the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act which would expand access to Social Security spousal benefits for individuals who divorce due to domestic abuse.
“We know that many spouses don’t leave unsafe marriages simply because they can’t afford to. Survivors who are already taking the courageous step of removing themselves from a dangerous situation shouldn’t be penalized financially when they leave an abusive marriage. The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Act will empower survivors by giving them the financial resources they need to leave their abuser,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’m glad to lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Joyce because everyone deserves to live safely and securely in our communities.”
“Victims of domestic violence should never feel the need to stay in their marriage due to the fear of not being able to support themselves financially after leaving their abuser,” said Rep. Joyce, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. “This bipartisan legislation reduces the current barriers to access Social Security spousal benefits, so that victims and survivors don’t feel forced to stay in an unsafe situation.”
Currently, couples must be married for at least 10 years to be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits. The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act lowers this minimum marital threshold to five years.
Statistically, leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. Victims also cite lack of financial resources as a major barrier to leaving an unsafe relationship.
The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act is part of a comprehensive legislative package introduced by Rep. Sykes to prevent domestic violence, empower and support survivors, and keep families safe. In addition to expanding access to Social Security benefits for individuals who divorce due to domestic abuse, the full Safer Homes and Families Act would:
- Ban the use of electronic devices to track people without their consent;
- Train healthcare providers to better identify and treat individuals who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, or dating violence; and
- Allow individuals who are experiencing dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault to break their lease without adverse costs.
A longtime advocate for protecting survivors of domestic violence, Rep. Sykes’ work on domestic violence issues has earned bipartisan praise and resulted in her priority legislation, Ohio H.B. 1, to be signed into law when she was in the Ohio House of Representatives. Ohio H.B. 1 gives victims of dating violence the ability to obtain civil protective orders against their attacker.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can call the?National Domestic Violence Hotline?at?800-799-7233?for free, 24/7 support.