Tahirih will increase its efforts to protect women and girls fleeing human rights abuses with help from Congress. Lawmakers designated more than $1 million to Tahirih through the Edward Byrne Justice Grant program in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
This support reflects a valuable commitment to immigrant women and girls fleeing violence and exhibits confidence in Tahirih as a distinguished advocate for the courageous women and girls. This appropriations request was sponsored by Rep. James Moran, D-Va., and supported by Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., Representative Tom Davis (R-VA), Sen. John Warner R-Va., and Sen. James Webb, D-Va.
The funding will be budgeted over two years and will enable Tahirih to address an urgent need for services to immigrant women and girls fleeing gender-based violence. In addition to supporting Tahirih’s ongoing legal services, the funding will be used to work towards full implementation of the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA), which is designed to protect foreign brides from abuse and exploitation.
This award will enable Tahirih to respond as it continues to see an increased demand for services and feels an urgent need to increase its capacity. On average, Tahirih receives 30 pleas for help each week. Currently, it has over 50 pre-screened service seekers on a waitlist, with an anticipated wait period of 9.5 weeks before they are able to receive legal and social services. Despite the ever-growing need for services, Tahirih continues to maintain a 99% success rate in the cases that they litigate.
