Capito Praises Inclusion of Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization in Final Appropriations Package

Press Release

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the below statement today on the passage of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations omnibus package.

VAWA was enacted in 1994 to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The law provides federal resources and technical support for programs that assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, including children, teenagers, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and Native Americans.

The 2022 VAWA reauthorization, which Senator Capito helped introduce in February, will expand efforts in West Virginia to combat these crimes by aiding domestic violence prevention and support organizations, protecting survivors, and promoting safer communities for women and families.

"The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act has been a priority of mine throughout my time in Congress," Senator Capito said. "I am proud to have voted to reauthorize VAWA twice as a member of the House of Representatives, and now as a United States Senator. I am thrilled the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 is included in the omnibus appropriations bill. As providers in the state have told me time and again, the funding and support that VAWA provides to local organizations working to combat domestic violence in our state is a "lifeline' to the work they do. Passage of this critical legislation is the result of a truly bipartisan effort, and I thank everyone who helped ensure that survivors in West Virginia, and across the nation, receive the resources they deserve. I will continue to work with stakeholders to end domestic violence once and for all, and am happy to announce this step toward our shared goal."

Key sections of the 2022 VAWA reauthorization legislation include:

Improving the Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) grant program to support responding law enforcement and require prosecutors to include best practices.

Significantly increasing the authorized amount of grant funding to support domestic violence prevention and response organizations that provide victim services.

Reauthorizing funding for violence reduction and prevention programs.

Directly tackling the shortage of health professionals who perform medical sexual assault forensic examinations.

Expanding access to safe housing for victims.

Empowering law enforcement by providing additional tools to enhance public safety.

Increasing enforcement of cybercrimes and supports victims of "revenge porn."

Increasing authorized funding for responses to child abuse and child sex crimes.

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