15 Mar NYSCASA Applauds Signing of Omnibus Appropriations Bill Reauthorizing VAWA

For Immediate Release: March 15, 2022

Contact: Chel Miller, Communications Director, NYSCASA, cmiller@nyscasa.org

NYSCASA Applauds Signing of Omnibus Appropriations Bill Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act

The New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) applauds the House and Senate passage of the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act signed into law today by President Joe Biden, which includes the strong, bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022. In particular, NYSCASA commends the bold advocacy of our state’s U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, who ensured that the legislation received the attention it deserved.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds victim services, including crisis intervention, domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy, shelter services, legal services and advocacy, housing for survivors, community-based interventions, and other important services. It also funds prevention efforts and culturally specific programming, including programs designed to meet the needs of communities of color, older adults, rural communities, people with disabilities, young adults, LGBTQ people, and other marginalized groups.

The VAWA Reauthorization of 2022, which reauthorizes VAWA through 2027, responds to the identified needs of survivors and communities across the U.S. with critical enhancements. It provides targeted resources to communities of color; creates additional pathways to justice beyond criminal legal responses; improves economic protections; provides safe, affordable housing options; restores tribal jurisdiction so Native tribes can hold non-Native perpetrators accountable; increases resources for prevention; closes dangerous legal loopholes in existing federal domestic violence-related firearms laws; maintains vital nondiscrimination protections; and continues to invest in lifesaving programs.

“We are grateful for the widespread support for ensuring sexual assault survivors, including those who are most vulnerable, have access to the resources they need for healing and wellbeing,” says Joanne Zannoni, Executive Director at NYSCASA.

NYSCASA’s Public Policy Director, Max Micallef, adds: “Seeing the intent of this measure implemented in full is a great policy victory for sexual violence survivors. The expansive access to these resources will benefit many victims of sexual assault, and guide them along their journey of recovery.”

We look forward to engaging with advocates across the U.S. and New York State on the important work of implementing this vital legislation.