Himes Calls for Reauthorization of
Violence Against Women Act
Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today joined
more than 150 of his colleagues in reintroducing a strengthened reauthorization
of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Passed 19 years ago, this
landmark legislation focused the resources, time, and energy of federal, state,
and local law enforcement on the task of preventing and stopping domestic abuse
while providing victims of violence with critical services and
assistance.
“As the father of two young girls and the brother of two
sisters, I know that protecting the women in our lives is not a political issue
– it is a moral issue,” said Himes. “While I was disappointed that politics got
in the way of Congress’ ability to reauthorize this important program last
session, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the
aisle to reassert that domestic and sexual abuse have no place in this
country.”
Last year, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan
reauthorization of VAWA, with key provisions strengthening the law, by a vote
of 68 to 31. However, the Republican leadership in the House refused to
bring this bipartisan bill to the floor, and VAWA failed to secure
reauthorization in the last Congress. The proposal introduced today is nearly
identical to the Senate bill, including expanded protections for LGBT Americans,
immigrants, and Native Americans. The legislation already has support
from Senators on both sides of the aisle, including key Republican women in the
Senate.
VAWA has improved the criminal justice system’s ability to
keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable. Based on this
legislation, every state has enacted laws to make stalking a crime and
strengthened criminal rape statutes. Since VAWA became law, the annual
incidence of domestic violence has dropped more than 50 percent – and reporting
of domestic violence has increased as much as 51 percent.
VAWA has successfully encouraged communities and law
enforcement agencies to coordinate their responses to violence against women
and provide effective, long-term support for victims. Failure to enact
this bill again would deprive women, children, and families of vital protection
against abuse and law enforcement of essential tools to combat violence.
The 113th Congress must now act quickly to get the job done.
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