JWI applauds the introduction of the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2019

Jewish Women International (JWI), a member of The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (NTF), applauds Representatives Karen Bass and Brian Fitzpatrick on the introduction of the bipartisan Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2019.

VAWA is currently unauthorized, making it all-the-more urgent that Congress pass a reauthorization bill that meets the critical needs of survivors. The newly introduced legislation continues to provide important protections for survivors. In addition, it adds modest but essential enhancements to the current law based on needs identified by organizations who work directly with victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

These include important provisions will:

  • Invest in sexual assault and domestic violence prevention programming;

  • Provide resources to support prevention efforts to engage men and boys;

  • Safeguard protections to ensure victims and survivors have access to safety and justice;

  • Create programs to better protect Native women;

  • Protect victims and survivors from abusers with dangerous weapons;

  • Offer improved protections for survivors in federal public, subsidized and assisted housing; and

  • Address the unique needs of underserved communities.

JWI will work diligently with members of both parties in both the House and the Senate to pass a Violence Against Women Act that improves the nation’s response to gender-based violence and makes our communities safer for women, children and families.

Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end gender-based violence. As a Steering Committee member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, and convener of the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, JWI supports this bill as it builds on VAWA’s previous successes and adds enhancements to ensure the safety of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Danielle CantorVAWA, statement