Senator Stabenow Statement on Passage of the Violence Against Women Act

Statement

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today issued the following statement on House passage of the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act.

"I am glad the House was finally able to come together and vote to give women the support they need to protect themselves and their children," said Stabenow. "Up until recently, protecting women from violence was never a partisan issue, and should never have been made a partisan issue. Too many women are victims of violence in their own homes and many don't know where to turn. The Violence Against Women Act helps give women the tools they need to protect themselves and their children."

The Violence Against Women Act, which was first authorized in 1994 with overwhelming bipartisan support, passed the Senate last year with strong bipartisan support, but the House refused to take action on the bill. Because the House didn't act, the law was allowed to lapse, ending support for millions of women. The Senate passed the legislation again this year in early February with a strong bipartisan vote of 78-22. Today the House finally passed the bill. The bill will now go to President Obama for his signature.

The Violence Against Women Act has provided lifesaving services such as transitional housing to survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Violence Against Women Act has also made it easier for state and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute the assailants of these violent crimes.

Source