Press Releases

Today, Rep. Beyer voted to pass H.R. 1585 a bipartisan, robust, long-term Violence Against Women Act reauthorization.  The landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ushered in transformative progress by calling for the protection of all Americans from violence and abuse, and working to ensure all victims and survivors have the support they need.  This critical reauthorization, which passed the House by a vote of 263-158, will safeguard and further build upon these life-saving protections for women throughout Virginia and across the country.

“It is an honor to join my colleagues to pass this vital legislation and uphold our sacred duty to protect the millions of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Rep. Beyer.  “Yet, in too many communities, too many Americans, including 1 in 3 women, still encounter domestic violence.  Our work in Congress will never be done until every woman, in every part of our society, can live free from violence and fear.”

This reauthorization fulfills Congress’s responsibility to protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as including vital improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors and advocates.  This bipartisan bill:

• Improves the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking;
• Expands the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors;
• Improves protections for Native women, including by reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
• Closes loopholes in current firearm laws in order help prevent “intimate partner” homicides, by prohibiting persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking or dating violence from possessing firearms; and
• Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.