MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Brad Schimel is joining a bipartisan group of 56 state and territory attorneys general, calling on Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) before it expires this year. Grants from VAWA provide funding to crime victim services across Wisconsin.
“The funding available through the Violence Against Women Act supports programs across Wisconsin, and are an invaluable asset in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse,” said Attorney General Schimel. “Congress needs to put the survivors of domestic and sexual violence first, and pass this legislation.”
VAWA was originally enacted in 1994, and was reauthorized in 2000, 2005, and 2013, and will expire at the end of this year if Congress does not act. Under VAWA, over $6 billion in grant funding has been awarded to government and nonprofit organizations nationwide.
In their letter, the attorneys general emphasized the importance of VAWA to reducing the rate of sexual violence toward women and addressing the devastating effects of these crimes. They urged Congress to continue funding for programs that have helped millions of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
