Congress Passes Legislation on Violence Against Girls

Congress Passes Legislation on Violence Against Girls
Victory for Girls as President Signs Bill into Law

1/5/06

In a bold step that acknowledges violence against women often starts as violence against girls, Congress unanimously passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with new provisions to promote girls' safety. VAWA, the federal legislation that supports law enforcement, shelters, and programs to help victims of domestic and sexual violence, was signed by President Bush today in the Oval Office.

Girls Incorporated ® applauds leaders in Congress, specifically Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Joseph Biden (D-DE) in the Senate and Congressmen James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), John Conyers (D-MI), and the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues for their leadership in reauthorizing this critical piece of legislation. Ten years ago VAWA, brought national attention to domestic and sexual violence, and now it responds more effectively to violence against girls through:

• Prevention programs that work with children and teens to stop the cycle of violence.

• Services for youth who are victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

• School programs to address domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

• Training and collaboration on the intersection between domestic violence and child maltreatment.

• Recognizing the needs of girls in the juvenile justice system, who are overwhelmingly victims of violence.

Girls Inc. has been deeply involved in the passage of this legislation as a member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women. Over the last two years, Girls Inc. worked with girls and experts to recommend provisions specifically addressing violence in girls' lives. Girls Inc. members from across the nation also visited Capitol Hill to share their personal stories about violence.

Girls Inc. led efforts to include provisions responding to the needs of girls in the juvenile justice system. Most of these girls are victims of violence prior to incarceration. In one study 92% of female juvenile offenders reported that they had experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse before entering the juvenile justice system.

We are pleased that Congress recognized the need for this vital legislation that takes steps to address and prevent the violence that girls experience. And, we thank President Bush for his action to sign this excellent bill into law.