Senate Unanimously Passes Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act

SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

Sen. Murkowski Co-Sponsored the Bill to Help States Fight Domestic Abuse

Senator Lisa Murkowski today applauded Senate passage of reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Murkowski, a co-sponsor of the reauthorization, noted that the unanimous Senate passage shows that the Congress recognizes the importance of continuing and strengthening services that support victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

VAWA provides grant money for states to implement programs and work toward prevention of domestic abuse and sexual assault. "The reauthorization of VAWA is crucial to the continuation of efforts to create safe environments for women across the State," Murkowski said.

VAWA funds in the past have allowed for such programs as the creation of the Safe and Fear Free Environment (SAFE), run through the Bristol Bay Association, to shelter victims and offer services, and to fund research on Alaskan Native women and offer victims services through the Alaska Native Women's Coalition.

Nationally, close to 18 percent of women report having been raped in their lifetime and women report gender violence in higher numbers than men (25 percent vs. 8 percent). "Alaska's problems with domestic violence and sexual assault have been ongoing - in 18 out of the last 25 years Alaska has ranked number one in the nation for the highest rate of reported rapes. In 2000, the rate of reported rape was about 2.5 times greater in Alaska than the national average," Murkowski said.

Alaska Natives are victims of sexual assault and rape more often than any other population. In Anchorage alone, Alaska Native women are 7.6 times more likely to be sexually assaulted or raped. "It is alarming that Alaska Natives make up fewer than 5 percent of the State's population yet over half of the reported rape victims are Alaska Native women. It is important that we investigate this discrepancy." Murkowski said.

"The geography of Alaska makes it difficult for women to report sexual assaults or escape from violent situations. The isolation of some villages can prevent and delay law enforcement from quickly responding to reports of violence and rape. It is not unusual for law enforcement to take hours or days to respond.

"The Violence Against Women Act has provided invaluable grant resources to many Alaska communities and has prevented the State from spiraling deeper into the cycle of domestic abuse. In order to break the cycle of abuse in Alaska and across the country, we must be able to provide continued federal support."

http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=247196