Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) becoming law:
“Twenty-three years ago, Congress made history by passing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This monumental legislation has made enormous strides in combating violence and strengthened the rights of domestic violence survivors. VAWA has been instrumental in providing resources to law enforcement and advocates who strive to end gender violence. It expanded the number of shelters and rape crisis centers across America and established a national hotline. This groundbreaking bipartisan legislation has also been further enhanced to protect the rights of Native American, LGBTQ, and immigrant women who can also find support under the law to prosecute their abusers. As Nevada Attorney General, I made certain that millions of dollars in grants were provided to aid victims of violence and hold perpetrators accountable. I will continue to fight for VAWA and the survivors of domestic violence to ensure that no one has to live in fear for their safety.”
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