Congress Acts on Violence Against Women

The House just passed a Senate-approved version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), sending the bill to President Barack Obama for his signature.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement, "The Violence Against Women Act has long ensured that no women would ever be forced to suffer in silence in the face of domestic violence and abuse."

VAWA was originally signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and renewed by Congress in 2000 and again in 2005. The bill provides support and protection for victims of violence. In its current form, it extends abuse protections to gay, lesbian and transgender people, as well as to Native Americans and immigrants.

Peconic Bay Zonta's Advocacy Chair Barbara Pierce has stayed on top of this issue, emailing members with updates and encouraging everyone to contact elected officials to urge renewal.

Thank you, Barbara!