Senator Hagan: "We Need Your Support for the Violence Against Women Act"

Statement

Hagan Visits NC Battered Women's Shelter

On Monday, March 26, Senator Hagan visited Charlotte's United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women and spoke at the group's headquarters.

Hagan was joined by United Family Services President CEO Phil Kline and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Special Victims Unit Captain Pete Davis.

According to Captain Davis, CMPD received more than 36,000 calls in reference to domestic violence and sexual assault last year alone.

"Regularly, domestic violence adversely affects thousands of people of all ages in our community, ranging from verbal threats to death. Therefore, the CMPD and local law enforcement agencies within Mecklenburg County are committed to thoroughly investigating allegations of domestic violence, assisting victims, and holding offenders accountable for their criminal acts," said Captain Davis.

We Need Your Help to Pass The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

Since its original passage in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has transformed our country's criminal justice and victim service systems, helping to prevent and respond to domestic violence and sexual assault. The bill that Senator Hagan supports strengthens and streamlines crucial existing programs and incorporates new approaches to more effectively combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

The bill includes Hagan's Violence Against Women Health Initiative, which aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault among health care providers, allowing them to better assess and treat survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Unfortunately there are those in Washington who are blind to the needs of these victims and are trying to prevent the passage of this bill. Your help is needed to push forward the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

Join the Online Petition

Sign the online petition and show your support for the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

Hagan Urges Action on the Senate Floor

Watch the video of Senator Hagan speaking on the Senate floor on the need to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

"I am proud to join my colleagues on the Senate floor in support of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011. I stand here today, during National Women's History Month, to urge my colleagues to take swift action on this bill that is critical to the well-being of women, our families and our country.

"It is disheartening that in the last several months, petty partisan gamesmanship has held up policies critical to women's health.

"As a mother of two daughters, I am here to tell you that this reauthorization cannot wait. The rates of violence and abuse in our country are astounding and unacceptable."

Victims by the Numbers

Nearly one in four women in the US has reported experiencing domestic violence at some point in her life.
According to a 2010 CDC survey, domestic violence alone affects more than 12 million people each year.
15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which partner violence has occurred in the past year.
On average, 73 women, children and men are killed in North Carolina every year because of domestic violence.
Domestic violence also has a significant impact on our country's health, costing our health care system over $8.3 billion annually.

Join the Online Petition

We need your help pushing forward the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Sign the online petition and show your support for this critical legislation.

Resources for Victims

No one deserves to be abused. If you or someone you know is being assaulted dial 911 or call the police.

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence -- This organization helps educate and support women, children and families who are or have been victims of domestic violence. NCCADV can help victims connect with service providers that offer housing, counseling, support and other resources.

National Domestic Violence Hotline Number: http://www.hagan.senate.gov/?p=newsletters&id=1755http://www.hagan.senate.gov/?p=newsletters&id=17551-800- 799-SAFE (7233)

North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault - (NCCASA) helps educate and support women, children, and families who are or have been victims of sexual assault. NCCASA can also help victims connect with service providers to find counseling, housing, resources and support.

National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

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