Va-what?: Little Known VAWA Seeks Renewal

What: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is up for renewal in Congress
Act: Call your Congresswomen and men and urge them to vote for its renewal
Why? Read below to find out why
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As far as political discussions go, the renewal of the Patriot Act is a pretty "sexy" topic right now. I mean, who can possibly resist the allure of debating intense issues such as whether the FBI should still be allowed secret access to your library, medical and business records? As Paris Hilton might say, "that's hot."

While the Patriot Act may be getting more coverage than a Lindsay Lohan night on the town, legislation that may have an even more immediate impact on women's lives is also up for renewal.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was originally adopted by the Senate in 1994. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) states on its website that the act "revolutionized the way society addressed domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking." Additionally, NCADV estimates that over the past six years, VAWA has "saved over $14 billion in averted social costs" More info

So if the act has already helped countless women and children, the question becomes: who would not want to renew it? This is where things get a bit tricky. The bill has bi-partisan support and it was renewed in 2000 by overwhelming margins. This, however, was before Osama and Saddam, back when politicians were still allowed to do socially-conscious (read: feel-good) legislation. Furthermore, it seems that while most legislators agree that women and children need more legal protection, very few are willing to provide the extra financial support required by the bill. It seems the renewal of VAWA has simply slipped under the radar of most lawmakers.

But if legislators can't be bothered with the matter, why should we? Although there are several reasons why VAWA 2005 is a pressing issue, here are some of the most important:

Time is running out. If the bill isn't reauthorized by September 30, we risk losing everything the act has accomplished, from saving lives to decreasing domestic violence rates by 50 percent.

This version of the act is new and improved. VAWA 2005 takes a much more proactive stand on curbing domestic violence before it starts. It also aims to give violence survivors a reasonable unpaid leave from work to address their situation. Additionally, as Amnesty USA points out, VAWA 2005 "makes an even stronger commitment to underserved communities."

Because you, or someone you know, will be directly impacted by the renewal and/or loss of this legislation. In spite of everything VAWA has already accomplished experts predict that 1 in 4 women will still experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Those aren't exactly favorable odds for _any_ of us. However, all of us can do something to help:

1. Ask your senators and representatives to co-sponsor the re-authorization. It sounds too easy, huh? It could make a world of difference, though. Go to the NCADV website for a sample letter. The VAWA website also offers several templates for taking action.

2. Keep records of media reports about incidents in your community that involve domestic, family and sexual violence. As NOW explains, "Your clippings are proof that this isn't just 'someone else's problem' or that 'things like that just don't happen here.'"

3. Attend the Speaker Luncheon about this topic hosted by the "Woman's National Democratic Club."://http://democraticwoman.org Pat Fitzgerald, a representative of the organization, says the luncheon is an excellent way to learn more about VAWA 2005.

4. Finally, stay informed. Even if your local paper refuses to cover this story, major women's organizations like NCADV, NOW, RAINN, NNEDV, and a handful of others are closely monitoring the bill's progress. It may not be a "sexy" issue, but it's an important one.

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