Gender-based violence continues to impact millions across the United States. Nearly 1 in 4 women experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime, and 1 in 4 women report an attempted or completed rape. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional harm, survivors often face serious economic consequences that affect their ability to recover, support their families, and safely leave abusive situations.

The Safe Access for Essential Services (SAFE) for Survivors Act of 2026 seeks to address these barriers by strengthening workplace and financial protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legislation recognizes that no survivor should have to choose between personal safety and their paycheck, employment, or financial stability.

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced the bipartisan Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) for Survivors Act (S. 4635), which would provide survivors with up to five weeks of job-protected leave, including two weeks of paid leave, to attend court proceedings, seek legal assistance, access medical care, or develop safety plans. It would also ensure survivors can access unemployment benefits if abuse forces them to leave a job or results in termination.

In addition, the SAFE for Survivors Act would prohibit workplace discrimination against survivors and require reasonable accommodation to help individuals manage the aftermath of violence. The legislation also includes important insurance protections, preventing companies from denying or limiting coverage because a person is a survivor of abuse.

“When we talk about domestic violence, we must recognize how many survivors are financially tied to their abuser, which ends up being a significant reason they stay with an abusive partner,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Survivors have unique needs in their journey to safety and economic independence, and this bill will support their ability to provide for their families whether they choose to enter, remain, or take time off from the workplace.”

“I know what it’s like to flee an abuser,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) “In a life-or-death situation, no survivor should have to worry about money or a job. We need the SAFE for Survivors Act so that survivors can have economic protections they need as they work to rebuild their lives.”

Economic security is essential to survivor safety and long-term recovery. By advancing the SAFE for Survivors Act, lawmakers can help ensure survivors have the protections and resources needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. 

Please use our pre-drafted letters to urge your senators to co-sponsor and support the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) for Survivors Act (S. 4635). If they have already sponsored or co-sponsored the bill, you can send a message of thanks.