Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was enacted in 1994, and has been the bedrock of the federal government’s response to domestic violence every since. The Violence Against Women Act has provided funding for programs and initiatives designed to support and help victims of domestic and sexual violence. These programs have saved lives. The Violence Against Women Act has provided assistance to state and local law enforcement and victim service organizations to help prevent domestic violence and support victims of domestic violence. Senator Leahy has been a longtime defender of VAWA and is leading efforts underway in Congress now to improve this vital law.
Senator Leahy introduced the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) in November 2011. The bill would further strengthen and improve programs authorized under the landmark law to assist victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act also emphasizes the need to provide services and support to all victims of domestic and sexual violence. The bill will help to ensure access to services for all victims of domestic violence through a uniform non-discrimination provision that, for the first time in VAWA’s history, provides inclusive language to ensure that victims seeking assistance cannot be denied services based on gender identity or sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.
The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act is supported by over 50 national religious organizations, more than 200 national organizations, and 500 state and local organizations, including victim service providers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and survivors themselves. The bill is cosponsored by 61 Senators, both Democrats and Republicans.
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