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DV Millennium Action Alert

Congress adjourned for the August recess without passing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization bills. VAWA was adopted by Congress six years ago, and since that time more than $1 billion has been provided to train police and court officials in handling domestic violence cases. In addition, funding under VAWA provides shelter for adult and child abuse victims. Though many VAWA grant programs will probably receive some funding without VAWA’s reauthorization, other programs may not or may receive lower funding amounts. It is crucial that members of Congress understand the importance of VAWA funds in their communities.

            Below, actions to take to help educate elected officials about VAWA’s importance:

1. Set up meetings with members of Congress or their key staffers. Explain the importance of VAWA monies to your program and to victims of domestic violence in their community.  Invite prominent members of the community concerned about violence to the meeting to show widespread support.
    

2. If your elected official is not a co-sponsor of VAWA, request that he or she sign on to the bill.  Ask your member of Congress to urge House and Senate leadership to use their influence to bring VAWA to the floor as soon as they reconvene and to reauthorize funding for the bills.
   
   

3. Write Op-Eds for the local newspaper.  Ask sympathetic local reporters to cover VAWA and the need for continued funding.