close Exit Site If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, or call a local hotline, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224, or 911 if it is safe to do so. Learn more technology safety tips. There is always a computer trail, but you can leave this site quickly.
Donate Now Exit Site Add
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Action Alert

Survivors can't wait. Congress must support the CVF Stabilization Act and prevent catastro [Read More]

Take Action

[CLOSED] Breaking News: House May Vote on Bipartisan Senate VAWA Bill

February 27, 2013 – Your calls are working. Though the House introduced a substitute VAWA bill last week, they may vote on the bipartisan Senate bill tomorrow.  This is a critical time to use your voice and support the bipartisan Senate bill!

Take Action

  • Call the Capitol switchboard at 888.269.5702 and ask the operator to connect you to your Representative.  If you do not know who your Representative is, you can find out here.
  • When you’re connected to your Representative’s office, tell the person who answers the phone:

I am a constituent from (city and state) and my name is _________.

I am calling to ask Representative _________ to do three things:

  1. Vote YES on the RULE to vote on VAWA today, Wednesday February 27, 2013
  2. Vote NO on the House substitute amendment to VAWA, Thursday, February 28, 2013
  3. Vote YES on the Senate-passed version of VAWA, Thursday, February 28, 2013

Follow NNEDV on Twitter for live updates on these votes.

Background

The U.S. Senate passed a strong, bipartisan bill to renew the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) on February 12, 2013. Unfortunately, the substitute bill introduced by House leadership on Friday, February 22, 2013 fails to adequately support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and it leaves out a number of critical provisions that are needed to ensure that victims have access to much-needed services and support. Now, however, the House may take up the Senate bill. If the House substitute bill fails tomorrow (with the help of your calls to Representatives), the House will vote on the bipartisan Senate bill that reaches more victims of violence.

About 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 renewed 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, the programs that assist victims.