WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today on the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, introduced by Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI):

“Today’s introduction of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act is an important step forward in our continuing effort to prevent domestic violence and protect victims. I was proud to cosponsor the original Violence Against Women Act we passed in 1994, and I commend Rep. Gwen Moore for introducing this measure to reauthorize and expand upon that landmark legislation. Her bill will improve counseling and legal services for victims, provide additional tools to law enforcement to investigate domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, and extend additional health and safety resources to more of those affected. A similar measure has bipartisan support in the Senate.

“This comes at a critical time when many of the freedoms and legal protections for women have been under attack. As a nation, we must recommit ourselves to reducing – and eventually stamping out – violence against women and to improving the way we help its victims heal, seek justice, and move forward.”