SCHAKOWSKY CALLS ON SENATE TO ACT ON VAWA
SCHAKOWSKY CALLS ON SENATE TO ACT ON VAWA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - During a rally on the Senate side of the Capitol, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today called on the Senate to immediately pass legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Schakowsky joined House and Senate members and representatives from NOW and other organizations at the rally.
Schakowsky warned that if the Senate fails to act within the next three days, VAWA will expire and vital services for women seeking assistance would be gravely jeopardized. VAWA was enacted in 1994 and funds a number of grant programs to prosecute offenders and help victims of violence
The House passed VAWA yesterday by an overwhelming margin. It included a provision similar to Schakowsky's bill, H.R. 1352, to fund transitional housing for battered women and children. The Senate version of VAWA includes a provision similar to legislation introduced by Schakowsky to assist battered immigrant women.
"Every 15 seconds, someone in our country is battered. Every day, four women die in this country as a result of domestic violence. Women, children, and families across this nation deserve to feel safe in their homes and in their communities," Schakowsky said.
She added, "The Senate must act now to reauthorize VAWA. We must give women who are victims of abuse the power to fight back"