Heinrich Praises Violence Against Women Act
Press Release
Today, U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) hailed the importance of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) on its 15th anniversary by voting to pass a resolution that supports the goals and ideals of the legislation. The resolution recognizes the need to continue vigorous enforcement of the act and similar programs to deter and prosecute crimes of violence against women.
"The Violence Against Women Act is needed, and is working. Over these last 15 years, this Act has made major strides in making America's women more safe," said Rep. Heinrich. "Since its enactment, VAWA has strengthened women and their families. But the number of incidents of violence against women remains much too high. On this anniversary, we must all rededicate ourselves to better protecting America's women, children, and families who have been victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault."
The Office on Violence Against Women administers 19 grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and subsequent legislation. These grant programs are designed to develop the nation's capacity to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable for their action.
In May 2009, Rep. Heinrich announced that the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission would receive $1,228,450 in grant funding from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW). The money is part of the OVW Recovery Act STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
"This money makes women safer in New Mexico," said Rep. Heinrich. "Everyone should have the right to live free of violence, fear, dominance, and inequality. We must partner with the criminal justice system as a community to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable for their crimes against women."
The Department of Justice is launching a year-long celebration of the 15th anniversary of VAWA. It is using this occasion to raise public awareness of the many forms of violence against women and to support community efforts to assume responsibility for ending violence against women.
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