VAWA 2005 Signed into Law but remains unfunded (update as of 6/13/06)

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was reauthorized by unanimous consent by Congress in December 2005 and signed into law by President Bush on January 5, 2006. This landmark piece of legislation has sought to improve responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in the United States. Bills that fund VAWA will be marked up in the House beginning on June 7th. Thus far, proposals for funding for FY 2007 fall far short of the vision of VAWA 2005 to curb domestic and sexual violence, protect our youth and create a safer society.

Massachusetts Delegation members, Reps. Ed Markey, Barney Frank, Richard Neal, Martin Meehan, William Delahunt, James McGovern, John Tierney, Mike Capuano, and Stephen Lynch demonstrated their support for critical funding for sexual assault and domestic violence programs and services by sending a letter to the Appropriations Committee requesting full funding of the Violence Against Women Act in the federal fiscal year 2007 budget. Senators Kennedy and Kerry have also expressed their support. We applaud our representatives in Washington for their unwavering support.

Leading the effort among the Massachusetts Delegation, Congressman Edward Markey notes, “We must maximize federal support for services to respond to the needs of victims of crime and to hold offenders accountable. The federal budget, as proposed, will have a devastating impact on our ability to provide protection and services to victims. I am proud to stand with Jane Doe Inc., its sixty member organizations throughout Massachusetts and my colleagues from Massachusetts to speak out about these injustices and advocate for full funding of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2005.”

Advocates specifically aim to secure full funding for these services

• Sexual Assault Services Program at $50 million
• VAWA Stop Grant program at $225 million
• Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) programs at $80 million
• Rural domestic violence grants at $55 million
• Family Violence Prevention Services Act at $175 million
• Long-Term Stability/Housing for Victims at $10 million

Please take a few moments to call your Representative in Congress and express your thanks for their commitment. Find your local official at: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php.

Background on VAWA:

The original Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) became law in 1994, and its reauthorization in 2000 extended through FY 2005. The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 includes many provisions to address sexual assault and includes new funding streams for direct services, sexual violence prevention, teens and youth programs, and housing opportunities for victims. While the original VAWA expired on September 30, 2005 programs are not in jeopardy and funding will continue this year. JDI continues to work with our national partners the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), on appropriations to ensure that current programs and newly authorized programs are funded.