Senators Introduce VAWA Reauthorization Bill

Strategic Insights -

California Senators Dianne Feinstein, Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy, and Amy Klobuchar have been working to introduce a companion bill to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) in the coming weeks. The House of Representatives has already passed a strong VAWA reauthorization bill, and the senators are urging their Senate colleagues to join them in supporting the legislation. The bill includes important updates supported by advocates and service providers who are on the frontlines of the epidemic.

As the senators note, the Violence Against Women Act has been a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across the country for over 25 years. However, the bill has expired, and the senators must work quickly to not only reauthorize but to update this vital legislation. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crisis of violence against women and other vulnerable populations, and survivors need help now.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate Judiciary Committee members, led by Senators Dianne Feinstein, Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy, and Amy Klobuchar, are introducing a companion bill to the VAWA reauthorization in the coming weeks.
  • The House of Representatives has passed a strong VAWA reauthorization bill, which includes several provisions supported by the senators.
  • The VAWA reauthorization bill is crucial for supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
  • The bill has provided crucial support for programs and initiatives designed to support survivors, saving lives and reducing violence against women nationwide.
  • The senators urge their Senate colleagues to follow the House's lead and pass the legislation to protect women, children, and families.
  • The VAWA reauthorization bill includes important updates, such as provisions to protect survivors from gun violence and improve law enforcement's response to sexual assault crimes.
  • Senator Feinstein highlights the need for Congress to act on VAWA reauthorization due to the epidemic of domestic violence and the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Senator Durbin emphasizes the importance of renewing and strengthening VAWA in the wake of the pandemic.
  • Senator Leahy notes that the Violence Against Women Act has been one of the most consequential laws addressing violence against women, providing crucial support for survivors and programs.
  • Senator Klobuchar has made protecting victims of domestic violence one of her top priorities and urges her colleagues to pass the VAWA reauthorization bill.

Statistics:

  • 25 years: The length of time that the Violence Against Women Act has been providing support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Over 1 million women: The number of women affected by domestic violence every year.
  • 1 in 3 women: The number of women who will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
  • 60%: The percentage of women who will experience physical violence by an intimate partner.
  • 22%: The percentage of women who will experience sexual violence by an intimate partner.

Sources:

  • Senators Dianne Feinstein, Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy, and Amy Klobuchar
  • The House of Representatives
  • Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA)