Connecticut Delegation Votes to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act | Congressman Joe Courtney
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Connecticut Delegation Votes to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act

April 4, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation joined a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives in voting to pass H.R. 1585, a bipartisan, comprehensive, long-term reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Today's reauthorization builds upon the progress ushered in by the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994, which called for the protection of all Americans from violence and abuse, and enhances life-saving protections for women and men throughout Connecticut and across the country.

"Today's vote is a victory for women, for our communities across Connecticut, and for people throughout the United States," said the Delegation. "Since VAWA was first enacted, intimate partner violence among both women and men has decreased. There is nothing partisan or political about ridding our communities of domestic violence and assault. VAWA works, and as a delegation we are united in our efforts to strengthen protections for all people against this sort of violence."

"The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence applauds the passage of H.R. 1585 to reauthorize VAWA and we appreciate the steadfast leadership of Connecticut's congressional delegation around addressing violence against women," said Karen Jarmoc, Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "With nearly 40,000 victims of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking seeking help from a domestic violence organization each year in our state, the stakes could not be higher for the U.S. Senate to advance this measure. Simply put, VAWA saves lives and we must continue to work together to bring progress to policy and practice which addresses gender-based violence."

Today's reauthorization reaffirms protections for women, and includes critical improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors and advocates. This bipartisan bill will:

  • Improve the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking;
  • Expand the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors;
  • Improve protections for Native women, including by reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
  • Close loopholes in current firearm laws in order help prevent "intimate partner" homicides, by prohibiting persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking or dating violence from possessing firearms; and
  • Invest in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.