On the recordApril 26, 2012
I too rise today to discuss the incredible importance of the Violence Against Women Act. For nearly 18 years, the Violence Against Women Act has been the centerpiece of our Nation's commitment to end domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual violence. Congress authorized the Violence Against Women Act in 2000 and again in 2005 with overwhelming bipartisan support. I am a longtime champion of the prevention of domestic violence because I have seen the impact of this abuse firsthand in Idaho. The act provides critical services to victims of violent crime as well as agencies and organizations that provide important aid to those victims. The Violence Against Women Act has been called by the American Bar Association ``the single most effective federal effort to respond to the epidemic of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in our country.'' This legislation provides access to legal and social services for survivors. It provides training to law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, attorneys, and advocates to address these crimes in our Nation's communities. It provides intervention for those who have witnessed abuse and are more likely to be involved in this type of violence. It provides shelter and resources for victims who have nowhere else to turn, who are literally victims in their own homes. There is significant evidence that these programs are working.…





