(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today joined his colleagues in co-sponsoring H.R. 1585, a bipartisan, robust, long-term Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. The landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ushered in transformative progress by calling for the protection of all Americans from violence and abuse, and working to ensure all victims and survivors have access to essential services and to justice.  This critical reauthorization will safeguard and further build upon these life-saving protections for women throughout Maryland and across the country.

“There should be nothing partisan about ending the scourge of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Rep. Raskin. “It is a scandal that one in three women experience domestic violence. With this bipartisan, commonsense reauthorization, Congress is upholding our sacred obligation to protect the millions of victims and survivors who need and deserve our fullest support.”

This reauthorization fulfills 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.  This 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;
• Expands firearms laws to prohibit persons convicted of dating violence, misdemeanor stalking, or subject to protective orders from possessing firearms; and, 
• Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.

###