 |
The Violence Against Women Act is up for reauthorization in Congress. It has the support of 58 senators right now. Enough to pass, not enough if there is a filibuster.
It was launched by Senator Joe Biden with bipartisan support in 1994. Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Arlen Specter have been co-sponsors. Senator Scott Brown supports the reauthorization and has spoken very personally about seeing his mother abused.
The reauthorization has run into politics, but let’s step back from that for a moment.
What have been the results of the VAWA? Why is reauthorization so critical to many domestic violence victims and those working to end that violence?
Here is a very informative, in-depth Forbes interview with Susan B. Carbon, Director of the United States Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
Among other things, Carbon says the VAWA has lead to more domestic violence victims coming forward, better evidence collecting and tougher sentencing for offenders.
UPDATE: Senator Patrick Leahy’s office says the VAWA now has the support of 60 senators.
Recent Comments