Lorain Politician Votes For Violence Against Women Act

From The Office of Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur: Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), the longest serving woman in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives, voted to passH.R. 1585 a bipartisan, robust, long-term Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. The landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ushered in transformative progress by calling for the protection of all Americans from violence and abuse, and working to ensure all victims and survivors have the support they need. This critical reauthorization, which passed the House by a vote of 263-158, will safeguard and further build upon these life-saving protections for women throughout Northern Ohio and across the country.

“I am honored to join my colleagues in passing this lifesaving legislation and uphold our duty to protect the millions of people across the U.S. who are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Unfortunately, 1 in 3 women in our country still encounter domestic violence. Our work in Congress will never be over until every woman, in every part of our society and in every community, can live without fear of violence.”

“By reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, Congress is working on a bipartisan basis to ensure all women across Ohio and throughout the U.S. have the resources they need to seek justice, receive care and rebuild their lives.”

Background:

This reauthorization fulfills Congress’s responsibility to protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as including vital improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors and advocates. This bipartisan bill:

• Improves the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking;
• Expands the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors;
• Improves protections for Native women, including by reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
• Closes loopholes in current firearm laws in order help prevent “intimate partner” homicides, by prohibiting persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking or dating violence from possessing firearms; and
• Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.