Friday, January 25, 2013

Support the "Violence Against Women" Act


Violence Against Women Act
Allowed to lapse for first time in it's history, up for reauthorization
Supporter,

On Tuesday, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-ID, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-VT, reintroduced the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (S.47). The House also reintroduced the companion bill (H.R.11).  This longstanding law, first authorized in 1994, was allowed to lapse last year, for the first time in the history of the legislation. In an action that's hard to comprehend, the House of Representatives refused to allow a vote.
Contact your Members of Congress! Tell them: Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act! >>
This Act is important because it strengthens law enforcement and provides resources to service providers so they can respond to domestic violence and sexual assault in our country.
It was carefully crafted with new provisions and refinements based on interviews with more than 2,000 law enforcement, court, prosecution, legal services, and victim services professionals from across the country. The victims' advocates were clear that we can't afford to turn anyone away from protections from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Over the past 17 years, VAWA has created highly successful programs and laws that have changed the landscape for victims. Since VAWA was passed in 1994, reporting of domestic violence has increased as much as 51%, and the number of individuals killed by an intimate partner has decreased by 34% for women and 57% for men. VAWA saved $12.6 billion in its first six years alone. This year's bill carries on the tradition of these protections for victims of violence.
Let's make sure our elected representatives get the message this year.  Please take a moment to let them hear your voice now!
In Peace,
Matthew Albracht
The Peace Alliance


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