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Harris Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Domestic Violence

Date: Sept. 28, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Women Criminal Justice


Harris Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Domestic Violence
Votes to Reauthorize and Strengthen Landmark Violence Against Women Act

Washington, Sep 28 - U.S. Representative Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) today voted to reauthorize and expand the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Reauthorization of VAWA was included in the Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act. The VAWA was last reauthorized in 2000 and is set to expire on September 30, 2005.

"This legislation has made a valuable contribution to declining rates of violent crime and its reauthorization today demonstrates our continued commitment to strengthen enforcement and protect our families," said Congresswoman Harris.

The VAWA, passed today by the U.S. House, extends core programs aimed at fighting domestic violence, and makes improvements to enhance the ability of law enforcement officials to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legislation was made gender-neutral and expanded to address the problem of violence against children and youth by including programs for college campuses and assistance to youth who are themselves victims of violence.

"This legislation has been effective and I am confident its expansion is another positive step forward to prevent future violence and the detrimental impact it has on families and our society," concluded Harris.

The Violence Against Women Act:

- Reauthorizes levels of funding for rape crisis centers, and efforts to combat violent crimes on campuses;

- Places special victim assistants in local law enforcement agencies to serve as liaisons between law enforcement and victims;

- Improves access to courts for teenagers;

- Creates a national education curriculum for state and national judicial educators to ensure that all courts have access to information about relevant laws and best practices;

- Extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking offenses and offenses against children to 10 years; and,

- Includes a new program to enhance community responses to families where there is both child maltreatment and domestic violence.

http://harris.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=35080

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