March 17, 2021

Rep. Lawson Votes to Pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

Legislation will improve protections and access to safety for domestic and sexual assault survivors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) voted to pass H.R. 1620, Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021. 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. Under a GOP-led Congress, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 expired in 2018.  

H.R. 1620, which passed the House 244-172, will safeguard life-saving protections for women throughout North Florida and across the country. 

“The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act builds upon the progress forged over the two-and-a-half decades since this legislation was first passed,” Rep. Lawson said. “But more protections are needed, especially as 1 in 3 women still experience domestic violence, and as the coronavirus crisis has forced many women to quarantine in unsafe domestic situations. This reauthorization fulfills Congress’ 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.”

H.R. 1620 improves the current law, including by: 

  • Making vital new investments in prevention;
  • Strengthening essential protections for the most vulnerable, including immigrant, LGBTQ and Native American women and specifically supporting communities of color in a culturally-sensitive way;
  • Improving services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
  • Empowering law enforcement to protect their communities and improving the health care system’s response to domestic violence;
  • Helping stop abusers and stalkers from obtaining firearms; and
  • Expanding protections for victims’ and survivors’ financial security, including housing protections and anti-discrimination protections in the workplace.

Between 2016 and 2018, the Violence Against Women Act funded training for more than 12,923 sexual assault nurses and forensic examiners, 91,074 law enforcement officers, and 18,909 court personnel. 

“Trained and ready professionals are imperative to survivor support,” Rep. Lawson said. “The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act maintains the safety, resources and protections critical to survivors, particularly those in marginalized communities. We must continue to fight until every woman, in every part of our society, can live free from violence and fear.”

The legislation now heads to the Senate, and if passed, to the President’s desk for signature. 

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