New bill introduced in the House after GOP Majority allowed this important law to expire in December

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Gary Peters helped introduce legislation to reinstate the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In April 2012, the Senate passed a bipartisan extension of this important law by a vote of 68 to 31 (including 15 Republicans), however House Republicans put ideology before common-sense protections for women by refusing to even allow a vote on this bill. As a result, for the first time since 1994, the Violence Against Women Act expired at the end of 2012.

“The Republican Majority must stop denying help for battered women and do the right thing by allowing a vote on the Violence Against Women Act,” said U.S. Rep. Gary Peters. “I was appalled when Republicans put right-wing ideology ahead of millions of women by refusing to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. As President Obama outlined on Monday, we must work together on the things that unite us, so I urge the GOP House leadership to immediately hold a vote on this important bipartisan measure that has helped reduce domestic abuse for 18 years.”

VAWA has improved the criminal justice system’s ability to keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable.  As a result of this historic legislation, every state has enacted laws making stalking a crime and strengthened criminal rape statutes. The annual incidence of domestic violence has dropped more than 50% since VAWA became law.

BACKGROUND:

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA Reauthorization) significantly strengthens the ability of the Federal Government, the States, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Key benefits include:

• Renews Successful Programs - This bill reauthorizes important programs - including STOP Grants, Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program, Transitional Housing Assistance Grants, legal assistance for victims, and youth prevention programs - that have helped law enforcement keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable.
   
• Consolidation - VAWA Reauthorization consolidates 13 existing programs into four to reduce administrative costs and avoid duplication. 
   
• Reduced Authorization - This legislation reduces authorizations by 17 percent from the 2005 reauthorization.  It reduces or keeps even the authorization for every VAWA program, eliminates or consolidates several, and adds only one small new grant program.
   
• Accountability - VAWA Reauthorization incorporates new accountability provisions, including strict new audit requirements, enforcement mechanisms, restrictions on grantees’ executive compensation and investments and their administrative costs - all aimed to ensure that VAWA funds are used wisely and efficiently.

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