Sadly, the House VAWA Bill Passed with Guilt-Presuming Language

Earlier this week, we alerted you to problematic "victim-centered" and "trauma-informed" language in the House Violence Against Women Act, H.R. 1620. Such concepts are known to eliminate investigator impartiality and vitiate the presumption of innocence.

Unfortunately, our efforts to remove these flawed concepts did not succeed. Yesterday afternoon the VAWA bill passed. The final vote was 244-172, with 29 House Republicans joining all Democrats in voting "yes."

The measure now heads to the Senate.

We urge you to contact your Senator and explain why we must restore fairness and the presumption of innocence in investigations, both on campus and in the criminal justice system.