Calling for the Reauthorization of VAWA

The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), originally enacted in 1994 has been introduced in the US Senate. Three of the interns from the Feminist Majority Foundation, myself included, recently attended a Senate briefing on VAWA. At the briefing, representatives from various women’s rights organizations and women’s issues groups stressed the importance of reauthorization, citing how VAWA has positively impacted their lives and highlighting the ways in which VAWA addresses the unique needs of victims.

As a survivor of sexual assault and a feminist activist, I support VAWA and the life-saving measures incorporated into it to insure safety and peace for victims in violent situations. The members of Congress, mostly white men, must to say “YES” to women and girls and issues that affect them to create much needed change. In a time when women’s rights are being attacked, this piece of legislation is vitally important. Women deserve to feel safe on the streets and in their homes while knowing that they have assistance and support when they need it. This will come with continued funding and increased police training in order to further help victims and put perpetrators of violent acts behind bars, which would come through reauthorization of this bill.

VAWA has proven effective in reducing the incidence of domestic partner violence and should be reauthorized (through S. 1925) by Congress to ensure continued funding for programs to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the prevention of these violent crimes.
Reauthorization of VAWA by Congress, with the additions proposed in the bill introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), would allow for continued enhancements in the quality and quantity of services for victims of violent crimes.

Image courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons 2.0 User foto.rajith