FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2019
Contact: Jolene Cardenas,
Director of Communications and Development
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)
Direct Line: 720.330.8922
Email: jolene@ccasa.org
Website: www.ccasa.org
CCASA SEEKS BIPARTISAN SENATE SUPPORT OF VAWA 2019
DENVER, CO – In April, the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) applauded the bipartisan U.S. House of Representatives passage of H.R. 1585 the Violence Against Women Re-authorization Act (VAWA) of 2019. We have been waiting for months to see the same bipartisan effort for VAWA in the Senate. Historically, VAWA has always been reauthorized with strong bipartisan support and strengthened protections for survivors. It is imperative that the U.S. Senate take action on voting in support of the current version of VAWA.
VAWA is key to preventing & helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating-violence, and stalking. The #MeToo era is not the time to roll back important protections for victims of gender-based violence or even to maintain the status quo. Providing resources to implement evidence-informed prevention programming makes our communities safer and, ultimately, saves taxpayer money. Any bill coming through the Senate must be substantially similar to H.R .1585.
This legislation provides law enforcement with new tools to protect their communities; offers protections for survivors in federal public, subsidized, and assisted housing; supports victims and survivors who need assistance rebuilding financially; addresses the needs of underserved communities; and improves the healthcare responses.
We learn more every year about the best ways to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. A VAWA reauthorization process allows us to make use of that knowledge and help victims now. We strongly urge Senators Bennet and Gardner to work together to keep the work of the House of Representatives intact and pass a resolute VAWA for all.
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Interviews available upon request
The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) provides leadership, advocacy, and support to address and prevent sexual violence.