Rep. Dan Maffei, Rep. Richard Hanna, Vera House, Survivors of Domestic Violence Applaud Passage of Violence Against Women Act

Press Release

Today Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY), Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY), Vera House Leadership, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault applauded the passage of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act, S. 47. At a press conference at the Vera House offices in Syracuse, Rep. Maffei and advocates discussed the importance of the Violence Against Women Act and the vital protections and critical services it provides for Central New York families.

"I am pleased that the House of Representatives passed the Violence Against Women Act yesterday," said Rep. Dan Maffei. "I was proud to co-sponsor the House version of the senate bill. This bipartisan bill serves to protect all victims of domestic violence. The bill will help provide critical resources to our local domestic violence service providers like Vera House who work to ensure all victims of domestic violence and central New York families can receive the care, counseling and advocacy they need and deserve. The passage of this bill was long overdue."

"I'm pleased that with bipartisan support the House passed an inclusive Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act," U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna said. "I strongly support the services places like Vera House are able to provide in part because of VAWA. We have seen the benefits of VAWA: it has saved lives and helped millions of victims find safety, security and self-sufficiency."

Vera House Executive Director Randi Bregman said, "We join advocates and justice system professionals across the nation in thanking Congress for passing a bipartisan Violence Against Women Act yesterday. We are grateful to Congressmen Maffei and Hanna and all of the other Senators and Members of Congress who stood up in defense of the most vulnerable among us. We know that the victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence we serve will rest a little easier tonight."

Meaghan Greeley, a survivor, said, "As a survivor of rape and domestic violence I know all too well why legislation like this is needed. Comprehensive and supportive programs funded through VAWA saved my life and created a safe and empowering place for me to heal."

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