Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement commemorating the one-year anniversary of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):
"I was proud to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which was signed into law by the President one year ago today. Since VAWA was first enacted in 1994, our country has taken historic steps to combat sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and other forms of violence against women.
"Approximately 600 women are raped or assaulted in the United States each day, and many incidents still go unreported. Women with low-income, women of color, immigrants, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community continue to be disproportionately affected by domestic and sexual violence. The reauthorization of VAWA did much to ensure that the needs of victims of abuse in underserved communities are being met. While we have come a long way as a nation in supporting women and holding offenders accountable, our work is far from over.
"As we reflect on the progress we have made together, we must remain focused on ending violence against women. I will continue to support efforts that ensure the health and safety of women and children all across this nation."