Whoo-hoo! This week the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was introduced in the Senate.

Originally passed in 1994, VAWA revolutionized the way society addressed domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. VAWA increased training for police, prosecutors, and court officials, and greatly improved the response of the criminal justice system to victims of violence. VAWA has also been successful at providing victims with emergency shelter, hotlines, and supportive services. VAWA will expire in September if Congress does not re-authorize it.

The new Senate bill enhances criminal justice responses, improves services and outreach to victims, and increases funding for rape crisis centers. It also better helps children and youth who experience or witness violence, addresses the needs of victims from communities of color, and increases services for tribal victims.

Want to get involved? To learn more about the history of VAWA and to see an overview of the bill visit VAWA2005.org. Check out the VAWA 2005 Action Guide for VAWA Talking Points and a Sample Letter to Congress Supporting VAWA.

The Senate bill was introduced by Senator Biden (D-DE), Sen. Hatch (R-UT), and Sen. Specter (R-PA). For a list of all co-sponsors and to see if your Senator is on the list click here. If your Senator is on the list call/write/or email and say thanks. If not, call and tell them that you want them to support VAWA reauthorization.

Hopefully, a similar bill will be introduced in the House next week. Stay tuned...