House adopts four Rouda amendments as Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act passes 263-158
Statement
The United States House of Representatives voted today to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with four amendments authored by Congressman Harley Rouda (CA-48), which recognize the epidemic levels of violence against transgender individuals, and strengthen sexual violence protection and prevention efforts on college campuses. All four amendments were agreed to by voice vote last night.
Said Rouda, "The changes to this legislation acknowledge how far we still have to go to eliminate the scourge of gender-based violence. In the United States we have a tragic, shameful epidemic of violence against transgender and non-conforming individuals. Young women on college campuses are still victims of sexual violence too often. These attacks can derail their aspirations for a college degree and burden them with trauma for the rest of their lives. The amendments I offered are small but significant steps to protect the most vulnerable Americans."
Rouda's amendments were as follows:
Amendment 29
Adds language that recognizes the ongoing epidemic of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Amendment 30
Gives college campuses the opportunity to offer primary prevention training, in addition to survivor support services.
Lets colleges use grant funding to provide sexual assault prevention training, not just survivor support services after the violence has been committed.
Amendment 31
Gives college campuses the opportunity to offer alternative justice response programs.
Alternative justice response programs allow for a non-punitive response to objectionable conduct, seek accountability from the accused, provide restorative justice for survivors, and give an opportunity for education and behavioral change.
Amendment 32
Gives college campuses the opportunity to include all participants involved with the resolution process in training which identifies and responds to crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Resolution process members include the Title IX coordinator's office as well as the office of student conduct.
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