UPDATE: VAWA PASSED THE SENATE!
If you’re in the US (and I suppose even if you’re not), you’ve probably been watching the debate around the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act with some interest. The White House Blog has a new post written by Lynn Rosenthal and Kimberly Teehee that specifically addresses the tribal jurisdiction provisions that seem to be one areas of consternation for some lawmakers. In their post, they concisely lay out the case for why these provisions should be in place.
It’s not a long piece, but it’s a good one, and it’s worth the 5 minutes it will take for you to read the entire thing. You know what else is worth your time if you live in the US? Contacting your Senators and encouraging them to vote for VAWA reauthorization, which is being debated in the Senate this week. Not sure what to say to your Senator? The National Women’s Law Center has posted a couple of suggestions:
- Call (202) 224-3121 and ask the operator to connect you to your Senator’s office. Since you have two Senators, remember to call twice! To look up your Senator’s name and direct line, please check this website.
- When you get someone on the phone, please read this sample script: My name is _____ and I’m a constituent. I’m calling to urge Senator ______ to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, S. 1925. I urge Senator _____ to keep all of the critical provisions, including those protections for Native American women, immigrants, and LGBT victims, in the bill.
(Also– kind of cool: Think Progress’ infographic on the history of VAWA.)
