A congressman from the Sunshine State had his proposal that will make it easier for survivors of domestic violence to replace missing documents signed into law.
At the start of 2020, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., brought out the “Documents for Continued Safety Act” which has the support of U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón, R-PR.
“The bipartisan legislation would empower survivors of domestic violence by making it easier for them to replace vital documents lost or missing after fleeing their abuser,” Crist’s office noted. “Under the proposal, the Social Security Administration would not charge administrative fees required to replace birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards – identification documents which are necessary for survivors to establish safe and independent lives after experiencing abuse. In 2018, Pinellas County experienced over 6,000 reported cases of domestic violence.
“Escaping domestic violence is often rushed and desperate. Domestic violence shelters report that survivors frequently do not have their vital documents or access to financial resources – because either the abuser withholds them, or they are forgotten in the process of fleeing,” Crist’s office noted. “Lack of access to these documents can make it nearly impossible for survivors to find jobs, rent a home, or open a bank account, while the process of replacing birth certificates, drivers licenses, and Social Security cards can be cumbersome and costly. The cost of replacing vital documents can delay a survivor’s ability to start fresh, and drain shelters of their limited resources.
“Under the ‘Documents for Continued Safety Act,’ the Social Security Administration (SSA) would waive the fees associated with replacing Social Security Cards for domestic violence survivors and cover state fees for driver’s licenses and birth certificates. Thus providing survivors with life-saving assistance as they take steps to build a safe and independent life,” Crist’s office added.
Crist and González-Colón rolled the proposal into the reauthorization of the “Violence Against Women Act” (VAWA) which President Joe Biden signed into law on Tuesday.
“Rebuilding your life after surviving domestic violence can feel insurmountable. That’s why we should be doing all we can to lend a helping hand to survivors and their families,” said Crist after Biden signed the new law. “When fleeing violent and abusive situations, survivors often have little time to prepare, and often leave without their vital documents. After enduring such abuse, they should not be asked to pay replacement fees for things like birth certificates, drivers licenses, and passports. Thankfully, with the help of my amendment, these costs can now be covered, making it easier for survivors to turn the page on the past and write their new chapter.”
“Providing the tools and resources to counter domestic violence and aid survivors has been a fundamental legislative priority for me,” said González-Colón. “I’m pleased that Congress has approved the re-authorization of VAWA and included our provision that would help eliminate barriers that affect so many survivors by allowing them access to their documentation to start a new life free from abuse. As a co-chair of the Congressional Women’s Caucus, I will always support equality and safety for women.”
