Cindy Axne: “The Violence Against Women Act expired on September 30, 2018. It is incredibly disappointing that we ever let this…”

“The Violence Against Women Act expired on September 30, 2018. It is incredibly disappointing that we ever let this landmark bill expire in the first place, but we now have an opportunity to provide additional resources and address gaps in the expired law to better protect women in Iowa and across the land from violence. My amendment will help do that. I have introduced an amendment that will increase STOP grants to help local law enforcement agencies and community organizations better combat and prosecute violence against women. This funding will help law enforcement agencies develop and strengthen strategies to end domestic and sexual violence. I have met with local police officers and sheriffs throughout my district, and they all tell me they are underresourced and they are understaffed. I promised them I would do anything in my power to make sure they get what they need to protect our communities. STOP grants also provide prosecutors with the proper tools and resources they need to get justice for survivors and prosecute those who commit violence against women. While we must do everything in our power to stop violence against women, the sad reality is domestic and sexual violence is prevalent in this country. It is prevalent across all socioeconomic backgrounds, and it is something that is not exclusive to any one part of this country. We have it in our own backyard. For many victims of domestic and sexual violence, recovery can be a lifelong process.…”