Rally in Support of Violence Against Women Act Set for Wednesday Evening

Native News Network Staff in Native Challenges. Discussion »

Congress Protect American Indian and Alaska Native Women

SEATTLE – The US Senate version to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act includes provisions to protect American Indian and Alaska Native women. The version that emerged from the House of Representatives does not contain the protections.

The Seattle Women's Commission is holding a rally to show their support of the added protection provisions for American Indian and Alaska Native women, among other groups.

The rally is set at Seattle City Hall tomorrow evening at 6 pm.

The Seattle Women's Commission issued the following statement on the Violence Against Women Act:

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), enacted in 1994, recognizes the insidious and pervasive nature of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and supports comprehensive, effective and cost saving responses to these crimes.

VAWA programs, administered by the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, provide critical services for survivors of violence and abuse, gives law enforcement, prosecutors and judges the tools they need to hold offenders accountable, and invest in the prevention of abuse and promotion of safe and healthy communities. VAWA is currently stalled in Congress. It is critical that a VAWA bill that supports all victims of domestic and sexual violence be swiftly reauthorized to ensure the continuation of these vital, lifesaving programs and laws.

Specifically we are urging Congress to address and include provisions that protect American Indian and Alaska Natives, Immigrant and Refugees, and the LGBT community.

posted June 26, 2012 7:00 am edt