Political Quotes

“I wish to speak in favor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, which I am proud to cosponsor. As attorney general of Rhode Island, I saw firsthand the good work that the Violence Against Women Act has done to protect victims of domestic violence, to provide crucial services to those who have been harmed, and to hold batterers accountable for their crimes. It is vital that we reauthorize this important law. In Rhode Island and across the country, the Violence Against Women Act continues to support essential tools for preventing and responding to domestic violence. The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports, for example, that we now have 23 transitional housing units in our State, helping victims of violence become safe and self- sufficient as they escape a batterer. VAWA's law enforcement and legal assistance programs have also proven essential, especially in light of difficult State and local budgets. VAWA supports seven law enforcement advocates in Rhode Island, who work in local police departments to provide immediate assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These and other VAWA programs have improved the criminal justice response to violence against women and ensured victims and their families the services they need. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act builds on that record of success.…”