WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today voted to pass H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, important legislation that provides protection for domestic violence survivors. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 263-158.
“VAWA plays a critical role in combating domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other terrible crimes,” Upton said. “Since VAWA was enacted, we’ve seen our nation’s response to these crimes improve and the rates of domestic abuse continue to decline. I was proud to vote today to maintain and strengthen such important legislation.”
“YWCA Kalamazoo believes that all women – regardless of age, income level, racial and ethnic communities, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religious affiliations - deserve to live free from violence, abuse, and threats. We would like to thank Representative Fred Upton, for voting “YES” on the reauthorization of VAWA,” Dr. Grace Lubwama, CEO of YWCA Kalamazoo, said. “As the largest network providing services to survivors of violence, the reauthorization of this funding ensures services, such as transitional housing, emergency shelter, medical, and legal counseling supports are accessible and available at YWCA Kalamazoo to protect survivors during one of the most vulnerable points in their lives. When women are vulnerable, our community is vulnerable and it’s our responsibility to protect our village.”
Programs authorized and funded under VAWA provide funding to ensure safety and support for survivors, increase prevention efforts, expand educational awareness surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault, implement training for health professionals and law enforcement, and to coordinate responses across agencies
For the upcoming Fiscal Year 2020, Upton joined his colleagues to sign a bipartisan letter that urged full funding for VAWA programs.
VAWA was first signed in 1994 and has been reauthorized three times, in 2000, 2005, and 2013. Upton voted for the original VAWA and every subsequent bipartisan reauthorization since.
H.R. 1585 is co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Democratic Rep. Karen Bass of California.
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