Grassroots Bipartisanship 3

It is now time (way past time) for Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This act was passed in 1994 as a result of extensive grassroots efforts and with solid bipartisan support. It was reauthorized in 2000 and 2005, again with broad solid support. Violence against women remains a serious problem in our society and all of us should give firm support to this legislation. This is important.

Since I am seeking cooperation from all segments of the political spectrum, however, I must disclose and discuss the fact that the 2012 reauthorization measure was controversial. Conservative Republicans in Congress opposed the 2012 bill because it extended the protections to gay men, lesbians, American Indians, and illegal immigrants who are victims of domestic violence.

Personally, I believe victims of domestic violence deserve protection regardless of the circumstances, and I have a hard time seeing how this is a partisan issue. But giving all my friends the benefit of the doubt, I acknowledge that there is room for discussion on some provisions of the act. One way or another, though, Congress must act expeditiously to reauthorize the VAWA. Please tell your members of Congress that you expect them to protect the safety of women by reauthorizing the VAWA. Call (202) 224-3121 today. To look up your Members of Congress' names and direct lines, please check this website.

Two other great resource are The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and the National Women's Law Center.

For those unfamiliar with the VAWA legislation, here is a description from Wikipedia.

"The Violence Against Women Act was developed and passed as a result of extensive grassroots efforts in the late 80's and early 1990s, with advocates and professionals from the battered women's movement, sexual assault advocates, victim services field, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, the courts, and the private bar urging Congress to adopt significant legislation to address domestic and sexual violence. Since its original passage in 1994, VAWA's focus has expanded from domestic violence and sexual assault to also include dating violence and stalking. It funds services to protect adult and teen victims of these crimes, and supports training on these issues, to ensure consistent responses across the country. One of the greatest successes of VAWA is its emphasis on a coordinated community response to domestic violence, sex dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, victim services, and the private bar currently work together in a coordinated effort that had not heretofore existed on the state and local levels. VAWA also supports the work of community-based organizations that are engaged in work to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, particularly those groups that provide culturally and linguistically specific services. Additionally, VAWA provides specific support for work with tribes and tribal organizations to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking against Indian women."