Mary Gay Scanlon: “Before coming to Congress, I organized volunteer lawyers to represent survivors of domestic abuse, so I have seen…”

“Before coming to Congress, I organized volunteer lawyers to represent survivors of domestic abuse, so I have seen firsthand both the need for the Violence Against Women Act and the remarkable impact of legal representation in moments of crisis. That is why I am proud to support reauthorization of VAWA, which would, among other things, expand access to legal counsel for those who need it most. Too often, survivors are left to navigate alone the overwhelming aftereffects of violence and abuse. Whether that means finding housing, medical, or other care in the aftermath of trauma, the process can be complicated and hard to manage. Legal representation in these critical moments can make a life- changing difference. That is why I am proud to offer two amendments to VAWA today. The first would expand efforts to provide legal representation in postconviction relief proceedings. The second would increase access to legal aid for veterans who have unmet legal needs. Everyone deserves access to quality legal representation for fundamental needs, and this bill gets us one step closer to that goal. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my amendments and the underlying legislation.”