Statement on the Introduction of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013

Washington, DC (January 23, 2013) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the Introduction of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013:

"I proudly stood today with Members of the Democratic Caucus to announce the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. All women deserve to live a life free from violence and intimidation.

"The entire history of VAWA has been overwhelmingly bipartisan. Unfortunately, last year the Republican-controlled House blocked passage of VAWA reauthorization legislation that improved protections for battered immigrant women, tribal women, and the LGBT community. However, VAWA in the Senate passed with bipartisan support. Women in this country have waited long enough and now the time has come for Congress to reauthorize VAWA.

"While I believe VAWA is an exceptional step to protecting women, we can go further. I believe that we can provide more protections for battered immigrant women. In the coming weeks, I will reintroduce the Violence Against Immigrant Women Act to provide immigrant women with protections needed to escape from their abusers and overcome the effects of victimization."

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