Sen. Scott Brown - 3/23/12

http://www.telegram.com/article/20120323/NEWS/103239723

If you know the story of my early life, you know that my mother ended up in some physically abusive relationships. Because of those situations, I know firsthand the devastating impact that violence in the home has on women, children and families. I remember how alone and powerless my mom felt during those times. It’s why protecting women from domestic violence is so important to me.

Congress will soon take up reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which is an important tool to combat domestic violence in Massachusetts and across the nation. I am proud to have become a co-sponsor earlier this year. In past years, VAWA passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Unfortunately, this year’s reauthorization has been bogged down by partisan politics, with too few legislators willing to set aside political differences and work toward a compromise.

Preventing domestic violence should not be a partisan issue. It is about empowering women, children and their families. It is an area where Republicans and Democrats should be able to come together.

VAWA provides resources to law enforcement for criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as to nonprofit groups that provide services for survivors. Since being elected to the Senate, I have heard countless stories of the outstanding work being done in Massachusetts with VAWA funds. The YWCA of Central Massachusetts in Worcester uses funds for a proactive program that has service providers working closely with law enforcement to provide information to domestic violence victims and advocate on their behalf.

In Waltham, REACH Beyond Abuse has supported cutting-edge prevention efforts with teens and placement of advocates in police departments. The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center in Newburyport established a high risk, homicide prevention project and was recently recognized by the White House for its work.

The examples of VAWA making a difference in people’s lives in Massachusetts go on and on. Each success story is heartening to me because none of these services was available for my mom when I was growing up.

Today, I will visit a service provider in Massachusetts that receives VAWA funding and learn more about the lives that are being saved and improved by these funds. Following my visit, I am looking forward to a roundtable discussion with victims’ rights advocates, where I will learn more about their concerns and priorities and discuss additional innovative ways to leverage VAWA funds in our state.

The frightening truth is that one in every four women in America will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. For help please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE, or your local police department.

In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue reaching across the aisle to build bridges with my colleagues so we can quickly come together to pass the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. We should all stand united to prevent domestic violence.

Sen. Scott Brown is the junior senator from Massachusetts.