Lujan Grisham Lauds Passage of Violence Against Women Act

Statement

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement today after final passage of S. 47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill passed by 286-138 and it is on the way to the President's desk for signature.

"Today, I was honored to vote for S. 47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

"We have made significant progress towards addressing violence against women since this legislation was first passed in 1994 -- with domestic violence incidences dropping by over 50 percent. But we still have a long way to go.

"Still today, one out of four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. That is why we needed a strong reauthorization that expands protections, not restricts them.

"I supported this bill because it maintains the protections achieved in three past reauthorizations and also strengthens protections for LGBT and women in tribal communities.

"S. 47 ensures much-needed equal treatment and access to services for LGBT survivors. Recent studies show that LGBT victims of domestic violence face increased discrimination when accessing services.

"It also protects Native American women by recognizing tribes' authority to prosecute non-Indians who commit domestic violence against their Indian spouses or dating partners.

"The safety of women is at the core of VAWA. This is a victory for women and an important step in a new Congress that is working to get things done. This is also a good day for bipartisanship, especially for those VAWA advocates that refused to back down."

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