(Washington, D.C.) - Today Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement commemorating the 21st anniversary of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
“For decades, the Violence Against Women Act has helped women and families escape violence and abuse, and hold perpetrators of domestic violence accountable. I’m especially proud that today-due to the work of the countless strong women who came forward and made their voices heard in Congress-the Violence Against Women Act offers protections to those who were previously told they weren’t worthy. Women everywhere, regardless of who they love, where they live, or their immigration status, should be protected from violence. I’m committed to continuing to build on these critical steps with additional efforts to support all survivors and offer them the relief and justice they deserve."
In 2013, Senator Murray helped lead efforts in Congress to reauthorize VAWA and expand protections to cover more women in at-risk communities, including tribal women, the LGBT community, immigrants, and women on college campuses.
