Astoria, OR - February 22, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR, 1st) met with advocates for survivors of domestic violence and called for Congress to update and expand the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which lapsed on Friday, Feb. 15.
The landmark legislation that funded domestic violence agencies across the country since 1994 expired in September of 2018, but a short-term reauthorization carried it through until February 15. Congress has funded VAWA programs for this year, but a reauthorization of the program is needed.
“Domestic violence survivors and the agencies that support them should be able to rely on the federal support they need. I am eager to work with my colleagues to update and expand this law so agencies like The Harbor in Clatsop County can continue their work to prevent violence and support survivors. I am committed to making sure that VAWA is reauthorized and expanded to provide stronger protections for all survivors, including LGBTQ and Native women.”
“The Harbor relies on federal funding to help us provide services to hundreds of survivors and their kids every year, including housing, transportation, legal support, and mental health care,” said Hilary Levine, Director of Services at The Harbor. “Without the Violence Against Women Act, many agencies like ours would be in trouble. Especially in rural counties where there are few options, survivors need to know these services will always be available, no matter what.”
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