NCJW Applauds Senate Committee Vote to Reauthorize VAWA
February 3, 2012, Washington, DC — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) applauded the vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:
“NCJW has worked hard over the years on behalf of legislation that addresses the prevention and prosecution of violence against women, and we applaud the vote taken yesterday in the Senate Judiciary Committee that would reauthorize the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.
“The reauthorization will extend the law’s existing provisions and improve efforts to meet the needs of survivors of sexual domestic violence. It will also aid outreach to those who are underserved, particularly women in tribal communities and LGBTQ victims. During the 17 years since its passage, VAWA has helped state and local authorities to keep communities safe while supporting victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The act has enjoyed broad bipartisan support since its original passage and has been reauthorized twice before, in 2000 and 2005.
“NCJW‘s effort to address domestic violence is embodied in our campaign, Higher Ground, which seeks to help women escape domestic violence in part by achieving economic autonomy. For the last two years we have also worked with our partners on the National Taskforce to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and our allies in Congress to ensure a strong VAWA reauthorization going forward.”
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Higher Ground: NCJW’s Domestic Violence Campaign is a national effort to end domestic violence by improving the economic status of women. Grounded in the understanding that economic security is critical to women’s safety, Higher Ground educates and mobilizes advocates, community-members, and decision-makers to promote progressive policy solutions that champion women’s economic autonomy.
Contact: Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 × 5; emily@ncjwdc.org