NCJW Deeply Disappointed by House Passage of Dangerous VAWA
May 16, 2012, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today denounced passage by the House of Representatives of a deeply flawed version of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:
“NCJW laments that the version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed today by the House weakens vital improvements contained in the recently passed Senate VAWA bill (S 1925). The Senate bill included provisions designed to increase the safety of Native American women and LGBTQ victims. The House version (HR 4970) includes damaging provisions that roll back years of progress to protect the safety of immigrant victims. It will create obstacles for those victims seeking to report crimes, putting them in increased danger. In fact, HR 4970 so undermines the core principles of VAWA that the President has indicated that he would veto this legislation should it ever reach his desk.
“For nearly two decades, VAWA programs have helped state and local authorities keep communities safe while supporting victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. NCJW was an active partner in the coalition supporting the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act, and we are committed to ensuring that VAWA’s promise is fulfilled.
“NCJW urges the House-Senate conference committee to adopt a VAWA reauthorization proposal that mirrors the bipartisan proposal passed by the Senate in order to continue and improve domestic violence programs critical to maintaining the significant progress to date in increased reporting and decreased deaths during the time VAWA has been in effect.”
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.
Contact: Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 × 5; emily@ncjwdc.org