DEADLINE APPROACHING: TAKE ACTION NOW >>>

Did you miss this email, John? We haven’t received your submission to show support for victims and survivors of gun violence, and time is not on our side. Will you sign our letter to the Department of Justice right now? The deadline is in less than 48 hours, so please help us ensure victims and survivors get the resources they need to heal and recover before it’s too late!

Thank you,

Team Brady

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Team Brady
Date: Tue, Mar 26, 2024 at 11:48 AM
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Help Support Victims and Survivors of Gun Violence

John,

Right now, we have a unique opportunity to support victims and survivors of gun violence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering major changes to a victims compensation program (VOCA) that would expand access and provide life-saving resources. But for these changes to go into effect, the federal government first needs to hear from the American public and know that we support this effort. 

That’s where you come in, John. The proposed rule is open for public comment until April 5. Will you please send a message to the DOJ right now letting them know you support this rule?

Too often, survivors of gun violence are left with crippling medical expenses and face barriers to getting the care they need. This rule would also address current inequities in the system that disproportionately prevent victims of color, particularly Black and Brown people, from receiving just compensation.

Among other things, the proposed changes would:

• Provide flexibility and clarity on which medical and mental health expenses are covered under VOCA

• Update the definition of “survivor of a victim” to appropriately encompass a broader variety of familial relationships 

• Prohibit the consideration of a victim’s alleged contributory conduct in determining claim approval, except in specific, extraordinary circumstances

• Clarify that states are not required to impose an evidentiary burden on victims of violence

• Prohibit the denial of claims based on previous criminal history

• Clarify that victims are not obligated to crowdfund or seek out private insurance before qualifying for VOCA

Gun violence is a public health epidemic directly impacting hundreds of people every single day in the U.S. Barriers in the VOCA program too often leave people and families without necessary support in their most vulnerable moments. But these proposed changes would rectify that. Please, take a few minutes to let the DOJ know that you support this important rule.

In solidarity,
Team Brady

Brady
840 First Street, NE
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20002
United States

Thank you for supporting Brady and our work to prevent gun violence and save lives. 

We rely heavily on the generosity of activists like you to fund our work to create a safer America. If you're in this fight, please join Brady today by making a gift.

The Brady Campaign is a 501c(4) and donations to the Brady Campaign are not eligible for a tax deduction. If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.