VAWA Reauthorization In Trouble

May 16, 2012

The House version severely weakens the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  JDI and our allies across the country have grave concerns about this legislation which contains changes to current law that will endanger many victims and excludes protections for specific victims.   As one Congressperson said during the debate, "...since all of the advocacy organizations, the law enforcement agencies, legal services providers and others are all signing letters opposing the bill, who is supporting it?"  Another Congressman stated, "let's rename this bill the War on Women Act (WAWA)."

The 1994 law has been renewed twice with wide bipartisan agreement.  We will keep you posted on next steps to make sure this version does not become law. 

Thank you to all of you who made a call, sent an email, wrote a letter and asked your friends, family members and colleagues in other states to contact their representatives as well.

We are fortunate that every member of the Massachusetts House Delegation voted against this bill. 

Watch for next steps and thank you for your ongoing support and advocacy!