Moran Commemorates 20 Years of VAWA

Statement

Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat, Ranking Member on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement marking the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act.

"Congress made a commitment to our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends twenty years ago when we passed the Violence Against Women Act to keep them safe from harm. We stood together to give a voice to those who had suffered in violent relationships for too long.

"In the years since, VAWA has proven remarkably successful; victims of domestic violence are no longer forced to suffer in silence.

"Thanks to VAWA, we have a network of available shelters and crisis centers and our law enforcement officers are better equipped to deal with the unique challenges victims of domestic violence face. Since VAWA passed, states have improved laws addressing violence against women and fewer people have experienced domestic violence.

"Despite successful derailment efforts by House Republicans that lasted nearly a year and a half, Congress ultimately voted to reauthorize VAWA last year and ensure that LGBT, Native American, and immigrant women receive the protections they deserve.

"The Violence Against Women Act is a testament to the positive change this body can effect. We came together before to affirm that violence has no place in a relationship, no matter the race or sexuality. After twenty years, we should all stand together to deplore domestic violence."

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