It’s been five years since the Violence Against Women Act was signed into law by Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994. This piece of legislation has been the most effective legislation enacted to put an end to domestic / relationship violence, stalking and sexual assault.
The Act provided $1.6 billion toward investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, imposed mandatory restitution on those convicted, and allowed civil redress in cases prosecutors chose to leave un-prosecuted. The Act also established the Office on Violence Against Women with the Department of Justice. The Act was drafted by the office of Senator Joe Biden and co-written by Democrat, Louise Slaughter.
The law has initiatives in place to improve law enforcement’s ability to respond to gender-based violence in addition to providing support for women who are seeking assistance to remove themselves from abusive situations. However, VAWA expired February 15, 2019, a new bill will add and reauthorize critical enhancements to VAWA, yet there still needs to be an approval by the State.
The Senate is aware that these programs and protections have increased survivors’ access to support and any deviation from the protections in place are simply unacceptable.
WHAT YOU CAN DO…
Contact your Senate Office TODAY
US Capitol / switchboard 202.224.3121
Or write:
The Honorable (Senator’s name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
