Terry Supports Passage of Violence Against Women Act

Press Release

Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE) today voted in favor of the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012 (H.R. 4970), which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 222-205.

"As a strong supporter of its reauthorization in 2000 and 2006, I believe it was necessary for theHouse to continue funding programs and organizations that assist women who are victims of domestic abuse, stalking, dating violence and sexual assault," Terry said.

"Since its original enactment in 1995, the reporting rate of domestic violence has increased while the number of incidents have fallen. VAWA has had a positive affect on the lives of women by empowering them during the most frightening and dangerous situation they may ever face in their lifetime," Terry concluded.

H.R. 4970 reauthorizes VAWA grant programs for five years by providing more than$680 million per year to these programs that help prevent domestic violence and protects victims of abuse; strengthens penalties for sexual assault and abuse by including a mandatory 10 year penalty for aggravated sexual abuse and increasing maximum penalties under federal stalking laws by 5 years for vulnerable victims or violating a protection order; and, improves emergency and transitional housing services for victims.

VAWA has helped many women escape abuse and rebuild their lives.

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