Senator Coons Marks 20th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on Saturday marking the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

"Domestic violence and sexual assault are evils that transcend race, class, gender and sexual orientation, and are present in every community in America. When we shine a light on these evils by educating the public, empowering the victims, and punishing the offenders, we can help break the cycle of abuse. In the two decades since its passage, the Violence Against Women Act has made our communities safer, providing critical aid and support to victims and their families, as well as resources and training for law enforcement and community advocates.

"I'm proud to serve in the seat once held by the original champion of this legislation -- then-Senator Joe Biden -- and I'm committed to continuing his legacy of support for vital VAWA programs. As recent media reports so tragically remind us, the fight to end domestic violence is far from over. It's up to all of us to educate, advocate, and work together to build a future where no woman, man, or child has to live in fear."

VAWA was first signed into law by President Clinton in 1994, and has since been reauthorized in 2000, 2005, and 2013. Senator Coons was a cosponsor of the 2013 legislation in the Senate, worked to strengthen the bill in the Judiciary Committee, and campaigned aggressively on its behalf.

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