February 28, 2013

Rep. Takano Votes to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act

Washington DC – Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (S.47), which provides the tools necessary to law enforcement, federal, state and local government to assist and help protect victims of sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence.

Earlier this month, the Senate passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with strong bipartisan support as 78 Senators voted in favor of the reauthorization.

After the vote, Rep. Takano said, “I’m pleased to see the Violence Against Women Act get reauthorized by Congress and I’m especially pleased to see that the provisions that apply to the LGBT community remained intact.

“With almost 45% of LGBT victims being turned away from domestic violence shelters, and nearly 55% being denied protection orders, the exclusion of the LGBT provisions was unacceptable. Domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault should not be tolerated under any circumstances, regardless of the victims sexual orientation.”

Originally implemented in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act provided funds towards the investigation and prosecution of violence crimes against women. VAWA was reauthorized in 2000 and once again in 2005.