Sen. Carper Lauds Senate Passage of Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) lauded the Senate passage of S. 1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA). The legislation passed by a vote of 68-31. Sen. Carper is a cosponsor of the measure, which now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. His statement follows:

“Since its enactment in 1994, this critical law has played a crucial role in the lives of hundreds of thousands of women, men, and children,” said Sen. Carper. “It has given victims and their children improved access to crucial services like shelter and counseling, and it has strengthened the tools law enforcement needs to bring perpetrators to justice. All the while, this life-saving law has funded preventative and training programs to reduce incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. This law funded programs that have helped victims recuperate and hold perpetrators accountable, resulting in a significant decline of domestic violence incidents since its enactment. Yet despite that remarkable progress we can’t rest on our laurels. More work needs to be done to protect vulnerable Americans and reduce domestic violence. That is why I am proud to stand with 54 of my colleagues as cosponsors of this important legislation in the Senate. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass it quickly.”

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