On July 26th, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-D) introduced a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 6545), which responds to the urgent needs of tens of thousands of victims of sexual and domestic violence. VAWA is the nation’s largest source of support for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault – funding programming including life-saving hotlines, counseling services, community trainings, and more. If Congress fails to reauthorize VAWA before it expires on September 30th, many Network agencies could lose critical funds they need to provide services for survivors. Among other improvements, H.R. 6545 strengthens survivors’ access to housing and increases funding for rape prevention education.
Join us! Here are 3 ways you can take action:
1) Contact your Representatives and urge them to support and cosponsor H.R. 6545. So far, the legislation has over 100 Democrat cosponsors. Outreach to Republican members is particularly vital at this time. See the cosponsor list here. Use these simple talking points:
a. As your constituent, I’m calling to ask for your support for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 6545). VAWA is crucial to protecting the safety and rights of tens of thousands of survivors of domestic violence.
b. VAWA earned strong bipartisan support when it was first passed in 1994 and each time it has come up for reauthorization since then. Supporting survivors of gender-based violence is a nonpartisan issue.
c. This bill strengthens survivor’s access to housing and increased funding for rape prevention education.
d. If Congress fails to pass H.R. 6545 before VAWA expires on September 30th, critical services for your constituents like rape crisis centers, domestic violence hotlines, education programs, and legal aid for survivors would all be at risk of disappearing.
2) Attend NJHSA’s webinar, Best Practices in Agency Advocacy, next Wednesday, August 8th, from 2-3pm EST. Learn practical skills and enhance your agency’s ability to make a difference. Register here.
3) Join Jewish Women International for a webinar on grassroots advocacy strategies to pass VAWA also on Wednesday, August 8th, at noon EST. Register here.
Together, let’s let Congress know that, as a NETWORK of Jewish human service agencies, we stand with courageous survivors and that violence against other persons is unacceptable.
If you have any questions, please contact Mindy Brodsky, NJHSA Washington Representative. Thank you for joining us in this effort.
