UltraViolet Applauds Renewal of Violence Against Women Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 14, 2022
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Applauds Renewal of Violence Against Women Act
Gender justice advocacy group celebrates Violence Against Women Act’s inclusion of Native American, transgender, and immigrant women
WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, President Biden signed an omnibus spending bill that includes the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The new iteration of the Violence Against Women Act, which expired in 2019, expands legal protections for Native American, transgender and immigrant women. The bill will also implement training and educational programs for law enforcement officials and members of the judicial system on how to better manage matters of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In response, Elisa Batista, Campaign Director at UltraViolet, a national gender justice advocacy organization, issued the following statement:
“We applaud President Biden and the Senate for recognizing the critical importance of the Violence Against Women Act. VAWA expands legal protections for survivors and now includes previously unnamed groups and demographics of women throughout the United States, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or gender identity. It cannot be understated that VAWA’s renewal is a victory for women in America.
“Under VAWA’s newly implemented additions, the federal government will provide investments toward rape prevention and education programs for law enforcement officials and the Department of Justice. The bill also expands legal protections for survivors of domestic violence, including survivors in rural communities, LGBTQ+ survivors, and survivors with disabilities.
“With mounting news of increased violations to women’s physical safety and legal rights throughout the nation and around the world, the Senate’s bi-partisan support for VAWA is a major step in the right direction.
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