Hi all, I just wanted to reach out to let you know we’ve just passed 168,338 signatures on our petition! Thank you so much for your support! Will you help me to get more support by sharing this petition with ten other people? If enough of us sign we can’t be ignored! Here’s a link to share https://www.change.org/p/reauthorize-the-violence-against-women-act-2

Ready to take the next step? The Senate MUST vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Write your senator to demand action. You can even use this as a template: 

The VAWA provides critical services to victims across the country and continues to be *temporarily* renewed at each spending bill deadline, but Congress still has not fully reauthorized the bill. 

Before the VAWA, the type of access and help victims of domestic violence desperately need simply did not exist. The legislation helps ensure victims who come looking for help are listened to, believed, and given the protection they need to sleep at night so that they can thrive in a life free of their abuser.

More often than not, victims are not treated as victims. They are treated the opposite — like they did something wrong. They are cross-examined even though they are not on trial. They are doubted first — not believed. They are mocked for their lack of memory, nerves, and PTSD. Rarely are they offered help, assistance, or simply asked if they are OK. The VAWA changes that. 

The legislation passed by the VAWA is helping to bridge the gap between victims and law enforcement; making it easier for them to understand what victims go through and help them accordingly, obtain the resources they need to help, and guarantee the protections that victims deserve and desperately need. Why is our country taking such a drastic step backwards by dragging its feet on the VAWA? 

 Survivor’s protection is not a bargaining chip. The VAWA must be promptly and fully renewed.

You can find your senator's information here,