House Passes Adams' Victim-Centered Reauthorization of VAWA

Statement

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement after the House passed her bill, H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012.

"Today's vote by my House colleagues sends a strong message that the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) should leave politics at the door and focus on the victims who need our help. It is disappointing that the Senate has instead chosen to score political points on the backs of victims by inserting provisions that pit one group of victims against another. Make no mistake about it; this is a victim-centered bill that is all inclusive. Just like past reauthorizations, the House-passed legislation is focused on all victims, without regard for race, ethnicity, sexual preference, or nationality. As someone who has personally faced domestic violence and who served in law enforcement for 17 years, I can assure you that this bill serves the victims who need our help.

"Since 1994, VAWA has been reauthorized twice with bipartisan support. It has been instrumental in providing help, shelter, and bringing attention to the victims of abuse. In the United States, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. It is because of these victims that Congress must reauthorize this legislation, and it must do so with bipartisan support. We cannot allow domestic violence in this country to be a campaign issue. It must be a reflection of our best efforts as Americans united against breaking a cycle of violence and helping victims become survivors. I strongly encourage the Senate to join the House in its efforts to reauthorize VAWA by taking up this bill and standing in support of this victim-centered legislation."

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