(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today joined 55 other state and territorial attorneys general to urge Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
The attorneys general sent a letter to congressional leaders urging lawmakers to pass a reauthorization bill before funding for the measure expires later this year.
“Violence and physical aggression has no place in our society, yet too many women continue to be abused,” said Attorney General DeWine. “From ensuring that all Ohioans have access to sexual assault services to testing Ohio’s previously untested sexual assault kits, as Attorney General, I’ve worked to prevent and combat violence and help crime victims get the support and services they need. Passing this legislation renews our commitment to overcoming violence and freeing women from fear.”
Since VAWA was originally passed in 1994, more than $6 billion in grant funding has been awarded to government and nonprofit organizations across the country. The grants have funded training and assistance to address and reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The grants have also funded resources and services to assist survivors, prosecute offenders, and facilitate partnerships between prosecutors, judges, advocates, community organizations, and health care providers. The measure has been reauthorized with bipartisan support in 2000, 2005, and 2013.
In their letter, the attorneys general urge Congress to work together to pass legislation before funding expires to ensure vulnerable victims are not left behind.
The letter was signed by the entire membership of the National Association of Attorneys General including the Attorneys General in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories. A full copy of the letter is available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.