NLIHC sent a letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) on December 20 expressing support for the provisions in the “Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019” (S.2843). The provisions include: expanded jurisdiction of tribal courts over non-Native people who commit acts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against Native people; strengthened protections for LGBTQ survivors; and enhanced housing protections to ensure that survivors escaping violence can more readily obtain safe, accessible, affordable housing.
The “Violence Against Women Act” (VAWA) is landmark legislation that provides protections and support to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Originally enacted in 1994, every few years VAWA is reauthorized to update provisions and programs. In April 2019, the House passed its version of the reauthorization (H.R.1518) with bipartisan support. NLIHC stands united with our partners in pushing for the comprehensive provisions outlined in S.2843 and urges the Senate to swiftly pass the bill with bipartisan support.
More about the “Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019” is at: https://bit.ly/2Ma800n
NLIHC’s letter of support to Senator Feinstein is at: https://bit.ly/2rcw1fR
Information about the needs of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking is on page 6-6 of NLIHC’s 2019 Advocates’ Guide.