Pelosi Statement on 28th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement to mark the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):

"For 28 years, the Violence Against Women Act has stood as a pillar of justice and safety. Written, introduced and championed by President Biden in the Senate three decades ago, VAWA remains an invaluable tool in our nation's fight against the horrors of domestic violence. In the years since it was signed into law, House Democrats have proudly fought to strengthen and expand this landmark legislation – determined to stamp out an epidemic of violence that still affects one in three women.

"This year, spurred by tireless advocates and survivors, the Democratic Congress took another step forward – passing the long-overdue Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan legislation bolsters investments in violence prevention, strengthens services for survivors and empowers Tribal courts to prosecute non-Native abusers. House Democrats are also working to combat a daily drumbeat of gun violence that has long fueled the scourge of domestic abuse: every month, 57 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. Horrified by such rampant savagery, Democrats recently enacted the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to get weapons out of dangerous hands and move toward closing the ‘boyfriend loophole.'

"As Americans mark today's anniversary, let us honor both the memory of those stolen away by senseless violence and the profound courage of survivors across the country. House Democrats will never relent in forging a nation where all Americans can thrive – safe from abuse and free from fear."