Congresswoman Hirono Statement on Senate Renewal of the Violence Against Women Act

Statement

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following statement today on the U.S. Senate's renewal of the Violence Against Women Act:

"The tragedy of domestic violence is a reality for many families in our country and around the world. Unfortunately, it likely touches someone we know. As a young child, my mother showed great courage in bringing my brother and me to Hawaii to escape an abusive marriage in Japan. Watching her work so hard to provide a better life for us continues to inspire me to advocate for additional resources for victims to get out of abusive situations," said Congresswoman Hirono.

"The Violence Against Women Act stands as a firm statement that domestic abuse and violence are unacceptable and provides education and law enforcement resources to combat violence and stalking. Since this law was enacted in 1994, Department of Justice statistics show the number of women killed by intimate partners has dropped by 35 percent and nonfatal crimes dropped by more than 50 percent. Over the years, Congress has improved the law to focus on protecting battered immigrant women and young victims. Today's renewal also helps make rape kits more accessible and increases protections for LGBT, immigrant, and American Indian victims.

"The Senate has approved this important legislation. I call upon House leadership to bring this bill to the floor."

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