Overview

• Seventeen domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions filed the lawsuit in Rhode Island federal court on June 16, naming Attorney General Pam Bondi and OVW acting director Ginger Baran Lyons.
• Plaintiffs contend that requirements to denounce ‘gender ideology,’ bar diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and frame abuse solely as criminal issues violate the Constitution and the Violence Against Women Act.
• The groups are seeking a court declaration that the DOJ’s funding mechanisms are unlawful and an order vacating ‘out-of-scope’ conditions and anti-DEI certification mandates in OVW grants.
• Coalitions warn that accepting grants under the new terms would force them to choose between vital federal funding and compliance with conditions that conflict with their missions.
• The Office on Violence Against Women awarded 880 grants totaling $684 million in fiscal year 2024 but halted FY 2025 funding notices in February, stalling support for survivor programs.