My colleagues and I worked long and hard to convince them otherwise, and finally secured its inclusion in the omnibus crime package. VAWA which catapulted domestic violence onto the national agenda, providing federal support for programs like shelters for battered women and their children, education for law enforcement officers and judges, and resources for prevention and education. I am also proud to have been the author of provisions of VAWA that protected battered immigrant women, who were often trapped in abusive relationships by the threat of deportation. Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go. Too many women still die at the hands of an abusive spouse or boyfriend.
Protective orders can be ineffective.
Going on welfare is a far from ideal choice, even as a temporary step. Convictions against batterers remain infrequent, and penalties can be extremely light. In just a few days, the laws putting VAWA's vital programs in place will expire. I am relieved that Congress is acting NOW to renew these programs and ensure funding can go forward for the next fiscal year. These programs are literally saving lives all over our nation.