The Violence Against Women Act Saves Lives
No woman in this country should live in fear that her husband or boyfriend will hurt or kill her or her kids. I have zero tolerance for domestic violence. If you are beaten and abused, you should have somewhere to turn for help and a path to recovery.
That’s why I’m so proud that the Senate recently passed the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act, a law crucial to protecting the rights of women everywhere.
Twenty-five percent of women in the United States report that they have been physically assaulted by an intimate partner during their lifetimes. One in six has been the victim of attempted or completed rape. And the cost of domestic violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year.
Since 1994, this law has met a compelling human need by supporting prevention, intervention and even prosecution of domestic violence. I was proud to support this bill in 1994 when it was first introduced by then-Senator Joe Biden. I am proud to stand firm in my support by continuing to vote for its reauthorization.
And I am also proud that, as Chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I put funds in the federal checkbook for the Office on Violence Against Women each year. These funds support domestic violence programs including prevention assistance, women’s shelters, and a toll-free crisis hotline. More than a million women have called that hotline who were desperate and fearful for their lives. When they called that number, they didn't get a busy signal, they didn't get hung up on—they got help. That’s how we save lives.
The Violence Against Women Act also supports legal assistance to protect women from their abuser or from their stalker. It includes training for police officers, prosecutors and judges so that they know how to do a good job. It also includes grants for victims of child abuse.
With over two million victims of physical and sexual violence in America each year, including 20,000 in Maryland, these life-saving efforts are more important than ever before.
I pledge to continue to fight against domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, which are crimes of epidemic proportions exacting terrible costs on individual lives and our communities.
In the Senate, I fought hard against the filibuster of the Violence Against Women Act. It was a great moment when we finally passed it with bipartisan support. Now, it’s the House of Representatives’ turn. I call on the House to reauthorize this important law. It’s been refreshed and reformed, and brings new ideas and new approaches to combat domestic violence.
I started my career as a child abuse social worker. I saw first-hand how domestic abuse destroys families and destroys lives. That’s why I promise to continue to fight so hard.
Do you need help? Please call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)