Washington, D.C. - Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers will be joined by eight national advocacy organizations to introduce the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA).

“RAINN is honored to stand in support of this bill with Senators Feinstein, Durbin, Ernst and Murkowski alongside some of the nation’s top domestic violence organizations, chiefs of police, the National District Attorney’s Association, Ujima, and human rights advocate Angelina Jolie. We urge the Senate to take up this bill and pass it swiftly so critical funding can make its way to the communities that need it most.” - Camille Cooper, vice president of public policy, RAINN

BACKGROUND ON VAWA:

This reauthorization of VAWA is historic for many reasons. As highlighted in Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco’s remarks before the Senate last year, the need to increase funding and support for culturally specific communities is more critical than ever. This VAWA provides unprecedented funding to support survivors of sexual violence in Native Alaskan and tribal communities, giving them jurisdiction to prosecute non-tribal offenders who sexually assault tribal members. It provides increased protections for LGBTQ+ communities, including a new grant program. This VAWA also incorporates provisions from many bills that RAINN has worked on for years, including the Survivors’ Access To Supportive Care Act (SASCA), the Support Access to Nurse Exams Act (SANE Act), and the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act.

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About RAINN

RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, help organizations improve their sexual assault prevention and response programs, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visiting online.rainn.org.