Representative Adriano Espaillat Recognizes 25th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Statement

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a landmark bill that ushered in transformative progress to protect all Americans from violence and abuse. VAWA continues to provide essential support to victims, survivors and communities to ensure they have the legal tools and resources necessary to seek justice and receive care.

"Since 1994, American women who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual harassment and other crimes, have been protected by the Violence Against Women Act, signed by President Bill Clinton twenty-five years ago," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "Because of VAWA, domestic violence survivors have been able to obtain protective orders at designated courthouses and stand up against their abusers. This legislation proves to be crucial for the well-being and health of the women in our society who suffer domestic abuse and seek protection and justice without fear.

"The reauthorization of VAWA is a bipartisan issue that concerns the safety of women across states and communities, and Senate Republicans are running from the important issues at hand by not acting on the long-term reauthorization of this House-passed bill, which would ensure crucial improvements in the law to better help survivors of sexual violence.

"Domestic violence and abuse affected women without prejudice on their economic background, race, education or where they live. In the name of all victims and survivors, I urge Senator McConnell and Republicans to allow the vote on the reauthorization of the bipartisan House-passed Violence Against Women Act immediately to assure the safety and well-being of the American people."

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