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Congress Fights Violence Against Women
Well, we did it! In October of 2000, funding for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was authorized and expanded for another five years. After two years of letters, phone calls and meetings, legislators around the country were finally educated about domestic violence -- the struggle victims face and the devastating effects that family violence has on our children. Recognizing the continuing need, Congress, the Senate and the President finally agreed that federal funds for shelters and services should be doubled. So what's left for us to do?
If we have learned anything from the fight to improve and expand the Violence Against Women Act, it is that we can take nothing for granted. Issues that may seem obvious to us may be difficult for others to realize. To make these priorities clear, our voices must be heard, and we have much left to say.
Currently, Congress is faced with funding the projects that we voted to increase. The full federal commitment can only be met by a...