[fla-left] Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act by Sept. 30! (fwd)

[Michael Hoover <hoov@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

forwarded by Michael Hoover

> From: "Jan Saale" <jsaale@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Feminst Alert Newsletter" <fem-alert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Take Action: Urge Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act
> (VAWA) by Sept. 30!
> Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 11:05:20 -0500
>
> Congress is threatening to delay passage of the reauthorization of the
> Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), an important law that provides funding
> for domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault services. VAWA will
> expire on September 30 unless it is brought to a vote on the House floor.
> Do not let Republican members of Congress stall any longer! Take Action at
> http://www.feminist.org/action/1_action.html.
>
> Enacted in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act provides federal funding
> for state and local programs to combat violence against women, including
> special police units focused on sex crimes. The reauthorization bill would
> continue these efforts and expand the law to include funding for
> transitional housing for women and children who are victims of violence,
> as well as resources for specific populations, such as the elderly and
> Native Americans.
>
> In the United States, reports of violence against women are an estimated
> 50 percent of all 911 calls. The problem is, as House Minority Leader
> Richard Gephardt (D-MO) called it, "epidemic." VAWA is an important piece
> of legislation that has improved the cooperation between law enforcement
> and crisis intervention services for violence against women, allocated
> much needed funds to violence hotlines and other facilities, and
> contributed to more effective prosecution of perpetrators.
>
> Although the bill has bipartisan support, Republican leaders have not
> prioritized VAWA. Urge your Congressmembers to push for a floor vote
> before the September 30 deadline! Enter your zip code in the field above
> to send an e-mail to your Congressmembers. View their member profile to
> get their phone numbers, then call and tell them that they must pass the
> reauthorization bill of the Violence Against Women Act!
>
> Visit http://www.feminist.org/action/1_action.html to send an e-mail alert
> to your Representatives today!