Coalition of 21 States Challenges New DOJ Rules That Could Limit Support for Vulnerable Survivors
New York Attorney General Letitia James is spearheading a legal effort to block new federal restrictions on crucial funding for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. According to amNewYork, James has joined forces with 20 other state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, opposing recent Department of Justice (DOJ) rule changes tied to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
James denounced the new conditions—imposed during the Trump administration—as an “illegal attempt to play politics” with life-saving federal funds. “This administration’s actions put the most vulnerable members of our communities at risk,” said James. “I will continue to fight any reckless policy that endangers New Yorkers and undermines public safety.”
The legal brief targets recent DOJ rules that would require VAWA-funded organizations to certify that they will not use those funds for programs deemed “out-of-scope,” such as those related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), or “gender ideology.” According to the coalition, these vague and politically motivated restrictions conflict with updates made to VAWA by Congress and could deter services for LGBTQ individuals, undocumented survivors, and other marginalized groups.
Since its passage in 1994, VAWA has allocated over $11 billion toward a range of support services, including shelters, legal aid, emergency hotlines, and trauma care. The law is credited with cutting domestic violence rates by more than 60% and has transformed how law enforcement agencies respond to such cases. Each year, the funding helps train over 600,000 professionals, from police officers to prosecutors, and supports millions of services for survivors.
The coalition argues that the DOJ’s new rules undermine Congressional intent and could penalize organizations for offering inclusive support—threatening the very communities VAWA was designed to protect. The group is now urging the court to grant a preliminary injunction to halt the enforcement of the contested guidelines.
In addition to New York, the states involved in the challenge include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
By Sean Williams — Senior International Correspondent based in NYC, reporting from global hotspots and conflict zones.
Email: s.williams@midtowntimes.com
