Washington, D.C. - U.S Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) released the following statement after President Barack Obama signed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) into law:

"Today, we revalidate our commitment to countless women who have been victims of domestic abuse. There is absolutely no reason that it should have taken this long to finalize the reauthorization of this common-sense legislation. But with the president's signature today, we take an important step towards making sure no one in America is forced to live in fear. I am relieved that rational thinking finally prevailed over party politics and all women, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability, will be protected under this law. I applaud and thank the President for swiftly approving this vital law."

Menendez has been a long-time advocate for VAWA, stressing the urgent need for its reauthorization on the Senate floor. Last year, Menendez also met with more than 40 New Jersey experts and women's advocates who expressed the many important reasons why Congress must reauthorize VAWA. Click Here and Click Here for video testimonials about why the reauthorization is so critical for the women and children they serve in New Jersey.

This law further strengthens and improves programs to assist victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition, the act includes an increased focus on sexual assault, including new purpose areas to support the efforts of sexual assault coalitions working in the states. It also includes reforms to reduce the unprecedented backlog of DNA testing on rape.


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