Cicilline Celebrates 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

Press Release

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and members of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) today celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, historic legislation that President Bill Clinton signed into law on September 13, 1994 to change the way our country responds to domestic abuse and sexual assault.

RICADV, which supports and assists the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island with the aim of ending domestic violence and sexual assault, today hosted a community day in Newport to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote the physical and mental health of children and their families through community based activities.

"We have a responsibility to support and protect all victims of domestic abuse. Last year, I was glad to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which supports efforts to end sexual and domestic violence in the United States, and on this law's 20th anniversary I renew my steadfast commitment to strengthening protections for women and children," said Cicilline. "I thank the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and all its member agencies for their work to help women and children victims in Rhode Island move forward and rebuild their lives."

"We are so pleased to see how much progress has been made over the last 20 years with the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act," said RICADV Executive Director Deborah DeBare. "Without VAWA, we would not be able to serve the nearly 10,000 victims of domestic violence who seek help every year in Rhode Island. VAWA's vital provisions enable us to help victims access protective orders, find safety in shelters or transitional housing, and receive counseling or support group services. However, there is still so much that needs to be done, as highlighted by the recent furor over the high profile case in the NFL. We are looking forward to expanding our services in the coming years, reaching underserved populations and increasing our focus on prevention."

Cicilline was an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which strengthened the abilities of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Cicilline also supports the Democratic Middle Class Jumpstart plan that will make increased investments in shelters and other life-saving anti-domestic violence services to strengthen the Violence Against Women Act.

In 2013, over $2.5 million in federal funds supported 80 percent of the RICADV operations, whose member agencies provided assistance to 9,733 victims of domestic violence, answered 13,625 helpline calls, and sheltered 577 adults and children.

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