From: Nita and Shaunna, Ultraviolet
Time is running out for the Violence Against Women Act–Congress has until the end of the year to reauthorize this life-saving bill. But they will only act if we push them. They need to know women are watching and demanding action. Can you sign the petition?
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/369?t=1&akid=237.6000.TnfYKs

From: Nita and Shaunna, Ultraviolet

Dear Readers,

If Congress does not reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) before the end of this year, shelters, domestic violence hotlines, and other key services could run out of money in coming months.1

This is an emergency for millions of women and men all over this country. In fact, 3 women die each and every day as a result of domestic violence.2 The Violence Against Women Act needs to be a priority for Congress, but right now it’s not. You can help change that.

Earlier this year, a bipartisan majority of Senators passed a VAWA reauthorization bill that would have expanded protections to some of the most vulnerable communities, including LGBT, immigrant and Native American populations. Conservatives in the House not only blocked it–they took the unprecedented step of rolling back protections that have been on the books for years.

Now they’re facing increased pressure to do the right thing and vote on the Senate version. But they won’t act unless they know women are watching. We were decisive in the election a few weeks ago, and we can be decisive in passing one of the most important pieces of legislation in front of Congress right now. Can you sign this petition demanding the House of Representatives pass the expanded Violence Against Women Act right away?

Add your name to the petition.
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/369?t=3&akid=237.6000.TnfYKs

With pressure ramping up, now is the time to push Congress. We’ll deliver your comments to the House within the week–and we’ll escalate the pressure and make sure our voices flood Congressional offices before it is too late.

Here’s how the New York Times put it:3

“By refusing to accept the principle of protecting all victims of domestic violence, House Republican leaders are conveying a belief that rapes of gay people and immigrant women are not “legitimate” rapes, as Representative Todd Akin, the failed Republican candidate for the Senate from Missouri, put it so appallingly. Is that really what Republicans want to stand for?”

Here are some key facts about the Violence Against Women Act:4

Before its passage in 1994, not all states had stalking laws, and many states had weak laws against sex crimes.
Today every state makes stalking a crime. Every state has also strengthened its spousal and date rape crime definitions.
The Violence Against Women Act has provided billions in funding to help training and collaboration between law enforcement, shelters, and medical professionals. In fact, funding from the bill trains more than 500,000 of these professionals every year.
Rates of homicide resulting from domestic violence for both women and men have dropped dramatically. And incidents of domestic abuse have declined by as much as 67% over the years.
Time is running out and we need your voice with us. Please sign today.

Add your name to the petition.
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/369?t=4&akid=237.6000.TnfYKs

Thanks for speaking out!

–Nita, Shaunna, Kat and Karin, the UltraViolet team.

Sources:

1 .What Will Happen to VAWA, End Violence Against Women International, May 25, 2012

2. Each Day 3 Women Die Because of Domestic Violence, National Network to End Domestic Violence

3. The Gop And Violence Against Women,The New York Times, November 24, 2012

4. Factsheet: The Violence Against Women Act, WhiteHouse.gov

The coming fight over violence against women, Salon.com, March 20, 2012