The Tahirih Justice Center celebrates the bi-partisan passage of the Violence Against Women Act of 2019 in the House!
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a critical law in the fight to end domestic abuse, sexual assault, and related gender-based violence. Its programs help survivors of violence reach hotlines and crisis centers, access legal aid, and hold perpetrators accountable. Every five years, the law must be renewed, giving Congress the opportunity to enhance the provisions and reaffirm its commitment to survivors’ safety.
For almost two years, Tahirih has been tirelessly advocating for the reauthorization of VAWA. We helped draft this version of the bill, submitted testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, and have been working with partner organizations to educate members of Congress about the importance of reauthorizing VAWA. Now, the bill moves on to the Senate, where we will continue to advocate for a bill that ensures all survivors of violence have access to critical, life-saving services.
“VAWA is quite literally a lifeline for victims of violence,” said Archi Pyati, Tahirih’s Chief of Policy.
“No person should have to face life-threatening violence without assurance that police, judges, shelters, and lawyers will be there to help. This includes immigrant women among others who face particular challenges to finding safety. The House vote today reaffirms our nation’s commitment to ending the epidemic of violence in our country.”
With a bipartisan vote of 262 in favor and 158 against, the House has succeeded in demonstrating its stance against violence. Tahirih will continue to advocate on behalf of immigrant survivors of violence, among others, who rely on VAWA’s programs to break free from violence and secure a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Tahirih will continue to advocate on behalf of immigrant survivors of violence, among others, who rely on VAWA’s programs to break free from violence and secure a brighter future for themselves and their children.
