Hi John.

This week marks an important milestone: twenty eight years ago, the Violence Against Women Act became law.

The Violence Against Women Act is a landmark law. The original, passed in 1994, has helped survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence access resources and seek justice. It also has helped law enforcement stop and prosecute abusers. But every so often, federal laws have to be reauthorized, providing an opportunity to make improvements and re-examine the law for modern needs.

So I’m pleased to share that, after nearly a decade of effort, I joined with Republicans and Democrats to pass a bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act earlier this year. This is a critical bipartisan achievement that’s protecting our families and communities.

If you or someone you know needs help, please know support is available. The Violence Against Women Act created the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which you can call at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also visit them online at www.thehotline.org to learn more.

I presided over the House floor when we debated an earlier version of a Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. I’m grateful that Republicans and Democrats came together to get the job done.

The newest reauthorization of VAWA takes several concrete steps to make our communities safer. That includes:

• Supporting law enforcement. The new law helps local police departments stop abusers. That includes improving training for forensic examiners in sexual assault cases so they can collect the evidence they need to prosecute criminals. It also helps ensure justice for survivors who experienced long delays in the processing of forensic evidence, or rape kits.

• Helping children and families. The law supports initiatives to help children who have been exposed to domestic violence and abuse. It also provides resources for family members who are survivors of domestic violence, including emergency housing and shelters. And it invests in education, community organizations, and crisis centers to stop sexual violence before it begins.

• Protecting everyone. The reauthorization builds on the original law to deliver more resources for rural, LGBTQ+, and Tribal communities. As a co-chair of the bipartisan Native American Caucus, I was proud that we reaffirmed tribal inherent authority to exercise criminal jurisdiction, which will empower Tribes and shine a light on the disproportionate levels of violence against Native women.

This is about supporting law enforcement, helping survivors, and preventing crime.

The Violence Against Women Act reauthorization is a great example of what we can do when we come together and aren’t distracted by partisanship.

We have to keep moving forward and build on this progress. That’s why I’ve voted for bipartisan laws to support our local police, fund equipment and training for law enforcement, and promote mental health.

I’ve also voted to hire new border patrol agents and crack down on illegal drug smuggling. I understand that dangerous drugs like fentanyl are harming our communities. That’s why I’m working with local law enforcement to fight this crisis head on.

Good ideas can come from Republicans and Democrats. Please click here to learn more about how I’m working with both parties to fund our local police, stop illegal drugs like fentanyl, and protect our families.

Our team is also working to connect local law enforcement with funding opportunities so they can have the resources they need. For instance, late last year I was pleased to announce new federal grants from the Department of Justice to help fund our local police departments, including our police department in Overland Park.

My mom is an Army veteran who worked closely with law enforcement officials and served in law enforcement herself. We need to support our police officers, emergency responders, and our communities to keep our neighborhoods safe.

It’s an honor to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives. I’m always here to serve you – regardless of party. Instead of more extremism and empty promises, I know we can focus on concrete and bipartisan solutions to build a better future together.

If you have any questions or would like to share your views, please feel free to contact me.

My warmest regards,

Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress

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