Massachusetts Attorney General Wins Key Victory for Immigrant Survivors

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has secured a significant victory against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), ensuring that survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence will continue to have access to vital services regardless of their immigration status. This agreement follows a lawsuit filed by Campbell, leading a coalition of 20 states, which challenged the DOJ’s attempt to impose restrictions on the allocation of federal aid.

The recent resolution came after the DOJ agreed to maintain accessibility to funds under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for all survivors. Campbell emphasized the importance of unconditional support for victims, stating, “Faced with our lawsuit, the federal government has rightly decided to drop their cruel and unlawful restrictions on essential services that help victims of violent crime navigate their trauma and get back on their feet.”

The lawsuit was prompted by a notification from the DOJ in October 2023, which indicated that states would be prohibited from using VOCA or VAWA funding to assist undocumented immigrants. This measure would have placed an undue burden on service providers who do not verify immigration status, complicating their ability to deliver necessary support.

Impact on Survivor Services

With the DOJ’s reversal, funding will remain available to support various services for survivors, including legal assistance for protective orders and custody disputes, as well as housing relocation aid. The VAWA and VOCA grants have long been crucial for states in providing these essential services to eligible survivors.

AG Campbell and the coalition have agreed to dismiss their lawsuit without prejudice, meaning they retain the option to refile should the DOJ attempt to reinstate the controversial restrictions. This agreement follows a prior legal challenge where the DOJ abandoned plans to impose further conditions on nearly $1.4 billion in VOCA funds, ensuring that survivors across the United States, from Arizona to New York, will continue receiving support during critical times.

The implications of this legal agreement extend far beyond Massachusetts, as it reinforces the principle that all survivors of violent crime deserve access to the resources they need, regardless of their immigration status. For further details on AG Campbell’s efforts and the impact of this victory, please refer to the original report at Mass.gov.