WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. TJ Cox has voted to re-authorize the Violence Against Women Act which calls for protection and support for abused victims and survivors.
This reauthorization acts on Congress's responsibility to protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as including vital improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors and advocates.
The bipartisan bill:
- Improves the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking;
- Expands the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors;
- Improves protections for Native women, including by reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
- Closes loopholes in current firearm laws in order help prevent "intimate partner" homicides, by prohibiting persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking or dating violence from possessing firearms; and
- Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.
In a statement Cox said,
"I was proud to stand with Democrats and Republicans to co-sponsor this critical legislation to protect millions of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault."
