Allred Votes for Bipartisan Violence Against Women Act

April 4, 2019
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) released the following statement today after voting for the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.

"This critical bill takes a step forward in the ongoing effort to reduce domestic violence and make communities safer across America," said Allred. "Even as there has been so much progress, there is still a lot of work to do as more than one-third of Texas women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. There is a lot of agreement on both sides of the aisle and in both the House and Senate, so I urge my colleagues to work together and get this bill signed into law."

In March, Allred sent a letter to senior House Appropriators urging VAWA programs remain fully funded. Read that letter here.

The landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 made progress on protections for all Americans from violence and abuse, and worked to ensure all victims and survivors have access to essential services and to justice. This reauthorization fulfills Congress's responsibility by reaffirming protections, as well as including vital improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors and advocates.

The Violence Against Women Act of 2019:

  • 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;

  • Expands firearms laws to prohibit persons convicted of dating violence, misdemeanor stalking, or subject to protective orders from possessing firearms; and,

  • Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.

Source for Texas Domestic Violence Data: http://www.familyplace.org/aboutus/about-domestic-violence