Capito Wants Violence Prevention Programs to Continue

Capito Wants Violence Prevention Programs to Continue
6/15/2005

Among first to lend support to move legislation forward

WASHINGTON, DC (6/15) Working to stop violence against women and ensure programs in West Virginia that provide shelters, counseling and support for victims of domestic violence, stalking and rape continue to receive federal funding, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) is supporting legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.

"Strides have been made protecting women from violence and training law enforcement to stop incidents of domestic violence and sexual assaults," noted Capito, who was among the first members of Congress to pledge her support to the legislation which was introduced on June 14, 2005. "Whether it's obtaining a protection order, talking to an advocate or prosecutor or making our streets safer for women, we have seen monumental changes in how we protect the vulnerable from violence."

"The Violence Against Women Act has helped transform the perception of domestic abuse as a situation that should be dealt with in the home to a serious crime that should be resolved in a courtroom. What used to be considered a 'family matter' is now a crime. This bill is a crucial part of this perception change, building on the successes of the last decade and preventing more women from suffering in silence."

H.R. 2876, introduced by Rep. Mark Green (R-WI) would reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 for another 5 years. The legislation, first passed over ten years ago, created programs that help stop violence against women by increasing access to services for women and victims and further investing in current policies to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assaults, and stalking.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=84&whichone=pr