Carter Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

Press Release

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act. Since the law took effect, rates of intimate partner violence have plummeted. Gov. Nathan Deal voted against the law while serving in Congress.

"Domestic violence is horrific and unacceptable under any circumstance," said Sen. Jason Carter. "The Violence Against Women Act has helped us make great strides against domestic violence, but we still have a long way to go in Georgia.

"We need to do everything we can to prevent domestic violence in our communities and support survivors. Recent reports highlighting the rise of sexual assault on college campuses are particularly disturbing and demand action."

Carter is a board member of the Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence in DeKalb County.

Dr. Monique Davis-Smith, a family health physician, condemned Gov. Deal's opposition to the Violence Against Women Act.

"When Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act, Gov. Deal voted against it," Davis-Smith said. "When given the opportunity to vote for stronger protections for victims of violence, he chose politics. Gov. Deal decided not to help resource the organizations serving victims and their families. Georgia deserves better. The women in our communities deserve better."

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