It is time for the Senate to introduce and pass a strong VAWA reauthorization that meets the needs of survivors!
Yesterday, October 5, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on VAWA. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco testified before the Committee about VAWA’s successes and the importance of reauthorizing this critical legislation.
VAWA is one of the main pillars of the Federal government’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. First passed in 1994, it has been reauthorized three times since then, each time with critical enhancements. VAWA’s authorization would have targeted updates to protect survivors, with a focus on Communities of Color, Tribes, and LGBTQ survivors, ensuring they have access to vital services and resources to prevent future violence. H.R.1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021, passed the House of Representatives in March with strong bipartisan support. A summary of H.R.1620 can be found here.
Funding from VAWA is vital to the ability of rape crisis centers to respond to sexual assault survivors.
Today, and throughout October, MCASA is calling on and working with our allies in the gender-based violence field and beyond to push the Senate to introduce and pass a strong, bipartisan VAWA reauthorization bill that is substantially similar to H.R.1620 and that meets the needs of survivors. Yesterday's hearing was an important first step.
You can watch the hearing online here and tweet in support using the hashtag #VAWA4All.
Contact our Maryland Senators to thank them for their past support of VAWA, and urge them to move quickly to introduce a reauthorization bill in order to give communities more resources, and survivors more opportunities to heal.
Senator Cardin
(202) 224-4524
Email Senator Cardin
@SenatorCardin
Senator Van Hollen
(202) 224-4654
Email Senator Van Hollen
@ChrisVanHollen
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