Attorney General Derek Schmidt Urges Congress to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act

Topeka, Kan. - Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today joined a unanimous group of state, territory and the District of Columbia attorneys general in urging Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The attorneys general sent a letter earlier today to congressional leaders and the chairs of the U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees asking lawmakers to vote soon to reauthorize VAWA, as the current short-term extension is set to expire in December.

“VAWA has substantially improved access to advocacy, health care, and legal services, but unfortunately, violence against women remains prevalent in all communities,” the attorneys general wrote.

“Every aspect of our society — rural, suburban, urban, and our tribal communities — has all been impacted by the painful effects of violence against women. Yet, the work to eradicate sexual and intimate partner violence is far from complete. Congress must act swiftly to re-authorize VAWA to maintain the essential tools so necessary to support survivors and reduce the frequency of these senseless acts of violence.”

Since VAWA was passed in 1994 more than $6 billion in grant funding has been awarded to government and nonprofit organizations nationwide. The grants have funded training and assistance to address and reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The grants have also funded resources and services to assist survivors, prosecute offenders and facilitate partnerships between prosecutors, judges, advocates, community organizations and health care providers.

The letter was signed by all 56 state, territory and District of Columbia attorneys general. A copy of the letter is available at https://bit.ly/2OtH0Io.