Swords into plowshares
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Swords into Plowshares is the blog of the Peacemaking Program and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations of the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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Take Action to Protect Victims of Violence: Ask Congress to Pass an Inclusive VAWA
From our partners in the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness:
The bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization bill (S. 1925) protects all victims of violence -- domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support but some of its key provisions are under threat from the companion bill passed by the House of Representatives. Urge your members of Congress today to work for a strong and inclusive VAWA.
The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and others is calling for 10 Days of Action to save the real VAWA before Congress goes on their July 4th vacation. Visit the 10 Days of Action website to find more ways that you can take action to support an inclusive VAWA.
The bill's passage is now being stalled by a procedural problem, and it's vital that Congressional leaders work together to send the President a bill that protects ALL victims of abuse. Tell your members of Congress today to push for a strong and comprehensive Violence Against Women Act.
Background
The Violence Against Women Act, enacted in 1994, recognizes the insidious and pervasive nature of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, an stalking, and it supports comprehensive, effective, and costs saving responses to these crimes. VAWA programs, administered by the Departments of Justice and Health & Human Services, give law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to hold offenders accountable and keep communities safe, while supporting victims. The Senate-passed reauthorization bill includes provisions that provide new protections for Native American women, immigrants, and LGBT victims.
Key among them are:
- provisions that enable tribal law enforcement authorities to arrest and try certain perpetrators of domestic violence on tribal land, including non-tribal members and non-Indians;
- provisions to clarify that programs for victims of domestic violence are not limited by sexual orientation; and
- provisions that ensure that legal presence in the U.S. of non-citizen victims is not dependent on an abusing partner.
The House-passed companion bill (HR 4970) not only fails to include these new provisions, but actually rolls back important protections, including confidentiality for immigrant victims. In essence, this bill is picking and choosing which victims of domestic and intimate partner violence should get help. Find more information on the dangerous flaws in the House version of VAWA.
The PC(USA), together with our interfaith partners, have been working hard to ensure that Congress takes action to protect all victims of violence, including the most vulnerable. Join us today in calling on Congress to pass a comprehensive and inclusive VAWA.
- Posted at 4:51 p.m.
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