Huffman:Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act is Long Overdue

February 12, 2013

WASHINGTON----Congressman Jared Huffman (D -San Rafael) called today for passage of H.R. 11, the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) of 2013, calling it “so important that it’s one of the very first bills I signed onto after I was sworn in as a member of Congress.”  

“Following the historic passage of VAWA 19 years ago, every state enacted legislation to criminalize stalking and strengthen criminal rape statutes. We’ve since seen the annual incidence of domestic violence drop in half. Renewing VAWA is more than a year overdue, and I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for their passage of VAWA today.  The House must act now to extend and improve the law,”  Huffman said.

H.R. 11, the Violence Against Women Act of 2013, strengthens and focuses the response of law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels to domestic violence, and extends vital protections to the LGBT community, immigrants, and Native Americans.

“The Violence Against Women Act has been necessary and effective in protecting women and saving lives. We should not wait another day. I look forward to working for its swift passage,” added Congressman Huffman.

 

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