Violence Against Women Act

In 1994, Congress revolutionized the way our society addresses domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The Violence Against Women Act dramatically improved how law enforcement responds to cases where women have been abused and provided more resources for those victims. Six years later the law was reauthorized and services were added for rural and older women.

When Congress comes back from recess in September, our first order of business will be to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. It is an effective program that has been an unqualified success.

The new House bill enhances these programs. It improves outreach to victims, helps children who may have experienced or witness violence and continues to provide funding. It also provides training to police, prosecutors and court officials on handling domestic violence cases.

In addition I will continue to support the Crime Victims Fund. Each year millions of dollars are deposited into this fund from criminal fines, forfeited bail bond and penalty fees. These dollars come from convicted criminals and not from taxpayers.

Last year the fund helped 4 million crime victims by providing victims services throughout the country. These programs are meant for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The House has repeatedly rejected attempts to zero out this fund.

I think both of these programs are important not only for women, but for society as a whole. Violence against a woman or a child is always a cowardly act. I will support the reauthorization and continued funding of these programs.