That's how long it has been since the House of Representatives passed a reauthorization bill of the Violence Against Women Act. The bill is comprehensive in its policy; including firearm restrictions (closing the boyfriend loophole), as well as protecting Native American and transgender rights which has long been neglected in previous legislation. The bill passed 263-158 with significant opposition from Republicans, primarily due to pressure from the National Rifle Association for potentially supporting firearm restrictions included in the legislation. The lobbying group threatened to "score" politicians who voted so that their "grade," also viewed as support, from their constituents, with the NRA would be affected. 

So, for 3 months, 2 weeks, and 3 days, the Violence Against Women Act has been put on the back burner. Domestic violence shelters and services are strapped for funding as the fate of a reauthorization lingers on.

We need to keep the pressure on the Senate so that they act now. Here are 10 reasons the VAWA should be renewed that you can share with your senator via tweet, call, or letter today: 

I support the VAWA because:

1. It funds and provides critical and life saving services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 

2. No victim deserves to suffer in silence. 

3. Native women on reservations report rates of domestic violence up to 10 times higher than in the rest of the country. The 2019 VAWA reauthorization addresses the Native American community and will change this. 

4. Immigrant victims of domestic violence deserve the same care and liberation that citizens do 

5. Every victim deserves to be liberated, supported and protected 

6. No person convicted of any domestic violence crime should have the ability to obtain a firearm 

7. Colleges and universities should be fully equipped and educated to properly address acts of domestic violence 

8. Every victim deserves to know their rights and fully access their rights. 

9. Victims of domestic violence deserve justice. 

10. No victim should be defined by their assault.