[CLOSED] VAWA Vote in the Senate TODAY!

February 11, 2013 – The Senate vote to reauthorize VAWA, S. 47, is happening this afternoon!

S. 47 now has 62 co-sponsors – due in large part to all of your calls! This should guarantee VAWA’s passage in the Senate. However, there is a possibility that amendments could be introduced on the floor that could slow down forward movement on the bill. Please call your Senators TODAY, and urge them to vote yes on S. 47, without harmful amendments!

• Watch the Senate floor action on C-SPAN.
• Follow us on twitter @NNEDV.

We are optimistic that a strong bill will be passed out of the Senate – and then we can turn our attention to the House and to getting a final VAWA that safely and effectively protects all victims!

Background on VAWA

VAWA is the cornerstone of our nation’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, and because of VAWA, millions of victims have received lifesaving services and support. Despite VAWA’s proven ability to substantially improve lives, it has not reached all victims. VAWA’s reauthorization provides an opportunity to build upon the successes of the current law by including key improvements to protect and provide safety and access to justice for Native American, immigrant, and LGBT victims, as well as victims on college campuses and in communities of color. Additionally, a reauthorized VAWA must include strengthened housing protections that provide emergency housing transfer options for survivors, as well as implementation of transparent and effective accountability measures that support and strengthen, rather than endanger, those programs that assist victims.