House Approves Violence Against Women Act

The House of Representatives just approved its bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, H.R. 4970, during National Women’s Health Week, by a vote of 222-205, while the Senate approved its VAWA bill, S. 1925, by a vote of 68-31 during April - Sexual Assault Awareness Month. House floor debate has been very partisan, with both sides denying political rhetoric in an election year and keeping the focus on valuing and protecting the lives of ALL women and children, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or geography. More than 325 diverse organizations opposed the House bill, but it is now time to focus on the House-Senate conference committee and produce a bill that will have bipartisan support. First enacted 18 years ago, VAWA has been nothing short of life-saving for millions of women and children across the nation, providing a comprehensive, streamlined and national response to the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Both law enforcement and advocates need new and expanded resources, based on years of experience in local communities, to make our neighborhoods safer and strengthen protections for all victims of violence.