Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on tomorrow marking the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act:

“Twenty years ago, due to the leader of then Senator Joe Biden and countless others, the Violence Against Women Act put in place critical protections that have held violent offenders accountable and extended services to victims of such crimes.

“Despite the legislation’s success and the broad bipartisan support it has enjoyed for most of the last two decades, Republicans fought and delayed the law’s most recent reauthorization. I am proud that the Democratic Party was insistent on strengthening VAWA’s protections despite opposition from a majority of Republicans.

“Unfortunately, far too many women continue to be subjected to violence and rape, including the brave women who choose to serve our country in our nation’s military and the future leaders who live on our college campuses. The horrific video that emerged this week should serve as a reminder that violence against women remains a real and persistent problem, and despite the progress we’ve made through legislation like VAWA it’s clear we have so much more to do. While we continue to fight to make sure that all women are able to live free from the fear of violence, we must also ensure that survivors of crimes are able to access the services they need to recover and rebuild and that they are empowered to speak out when such violence occurs.

“The Democratic Party is committed to supporting policies that protect and promote the well-being of women and their families and today, we honor and acknowledge this twentieth anniversary of VAWA with them in mind.”

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