United Church of Christ - Lives are at Risk - We Can't Wait to Get VAWA Right

Lives are at Risk - We Can't Wait to Get VAWA Right

We need you now! Join with thousands of domestic violence advocates nationwide in the “VAWA Days of Action” campaign by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to pass a Violence Against Women Act that mirrors the Senate-approved version, S. 1925.

Self Defense The Violence Against Women Act, a measure which has received strong bipartisan support over the last 15 years, is in the final stages of the reauthorization process, and it is in danger of being severely weakened. The Senate passed its version of the reauthorization (S. 1925) in late April, and it included important enhancements for addressing the needs of immigrant women, Native American families living on tribal lands, and LGBT victims of domestic violence. The House version of reauthorization (H.R. 4970) strips VAWA of the critical improvements included in the Senate version.

Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act is at a critical juncture. The differing House and Senate versions of VAWA must now be reconciled in the form of a final bill that will go before the full House and Senate. There is a chance that the House version of VAWA will prevail in a floor vote in the House and Senate. That would strip the measures to protect Native American women, immigrant women and the LGBT community. This would be a damaging step backward in the hard-fought efforts to effectively address violence against women.

Evidence shows that VAWA has made a difference in addressing violence against women and all forms of domestic and intimate partner violence, and the carefully negotiated version of VAWA reauthorization passed by the Senate (S. 1925) added much needed improvements recommended by service providers who have firsthand knowledge of the needs and challenges to be addressed.

You have acted in support of an inclusive VAWA in recent weeks, and your voice has made a difference. We have been hearing reports from congressional staff that members of Congress are paying close attention to their constituencies on this issue. Your voice is needed to call for an inclusive VAWA measure that takes a step forward in strengthening protections for the most vulnerable victims of violence against women.

Take action now as part of “VAWA Days of Action” and let your members of Congress know that you support the Senate-approved version of VAWA, S. 1925.

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Dear [Decision Maker],

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In recent weeks, I have contacted you in support of the Senate-passed version of VAWA reauthorization, and as a person of faith and United Church of Christ member, I am once again urging you to support an inclusive VAWA bill that includes much-needed protections for Native American women, immigrant women and members of the LGBT community.

The added protections in the Senate version of VAWA would bring long overdue improvements in protections and services for the women and children who are most vulnerable to the impact of violence in their homes.  I am deeply disappointed that these provisions remain in jeopardy, especially given that these communities are also among the most vulnerable to human trafficking.

Since 1994, VAWA has been supported by members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.  Violence against women does not discriminate based on one's political affiliation, one's religious beliefs or one's economic statues  What we do know is that victims of violence need protection from further violence, and many have to rebuild their lives again.  VAWA has been the vehicle which has supported and coordinated the services and resources to provide safety and support.

My faith calls me to stand with the most vulnerable in our communities.  Please do not pass legislation that will leave already struggling families even more vulnerable to the impact of violence.  It is critical to pass a strong, inclusive VAWA reauthorization.

I urge you to support VAWA reauthorization that mirrors the Senate-passed version.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]