The Violence Against Women Act is up for reauthorization. On April 4, the House of Representatives approved its version of VAWA by a slim vote of 263-158. The House bill has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

The House bill contains many controversial provisions, not the least of which is a "DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON TRAUMA-INFORMED TRAINING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT." The purpose of the program would be to:

• “(A) prevent re-traumatization of the victim;
• “(B) ensure that covered individuals use evidence-based practices to respond to and investigate cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
• “(C) improve communication between victims and law enforcement officers in an effort to increase the likelihood of the successful investigation and prosecution of the reported crime in a manner that protects the victim to the greatest extent possible;
• “(D) increase collaboration among stakeholders who are part of the coordinated community response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and
• “(E) evaluate the effectiveness of the training process and content"

Nothing about fair and impartial investigations. Nothing about due process. Does this sound like a proverbial Pig in a Poke?

Call your senators at (202) 224-3121 and give them a piece of your mind! Just try to keep it polite.

You can see the entire VAWA bill here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1585/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22hr+1585%22%5D%7D&r=1&s=2