Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo recently visited Erica’s House, a family visitation center mandated by the Family Violence Act of 1998, to learn more about their work on Guam. She also met with representatives of the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence to discuss H.R. 11, Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which was recently reintroduced in the House on January 22, 2013; a companion bill, S. 47, will be voted on in the Senate later this week and is expected to pass.

“The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act is one of the House Democrats’ top priorities. This bill significantly strengthens the ability of the states, law enforcement, service providers, and the Federal Government to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo said today. “I believe that all Americans are entitled to feel safe, and we must strengthen current laws to continue to protect women and children across our country. Women in this country, regardless of their background, should never have to feel trapped or helpless. This Congress has an opportunity to address the inadequacies of the original legislation and make important improvements to ensure women, children, and the most vulnerable in our country are safe from domestic violence.”