Press Releases

House Democrats today introduced the Violence Against Women Reauthorization (VAWA) Act of 2018. The original legislation, first passed in 1994, will expire on September 30, 2018.

"I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018. Our nation is experiencing a cultural shift in which the abuse and mistreatment of women is being exposed like never before. To ensure that this movement does not lose its momentum and that we protect women from the domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking that is so pervasive in our society, we must act to transform the bravery of survivors into meaningful legislative actions," said Congresswoman Wilson.

The new bill includes enhancements, including measures to expand housing protections for victims so they cannot be evicted based on their abusers' actions, prohibits people convicted of dating violence from possessing firearms, provides services and protection for young victims of violence, and expands provisions for Native American women.

"With key provisions set to expire in September, now is the time to enhance and reauthorize this landmark legislation, which takes important steps to end gender-based violence and puts power back in the hands of victims," she added. "I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill and stand with women across the country who have called out discrimination and abuse."