Screen shot 2013-01-03 at 11.23.47 AMCongress failed to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) this week, allowing the bill to expire for the first time since 1994. Funding for anti-violence programs throughout the country will continue on a temporary basis through March 2013. If this is not resolved by March, it could result in 200,000 fewer individuals receiving essential services nationwide.
From our colleagues at the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence:

While VAWA reauthorization legislation failed to pass, VAWA remains in effect. Funding for programs will not end now because VAWA was not reauthorized—VAWA programs can still be appropriated. But VAWA is the cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to end violence against women and each reauthorization of VAWA builds on the last to take the next critical steps in that response. 
In terms of future funding for programs, the deal on the “fiscal cliff” delayed harmful across-the-board cuts to federal programs until early March. However, the analysis of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence shows nearly 200,000 victims of violence would lose services if another agreement is not made.

What’s next? CALCASA will be working alongside national partners in working with the 113th Congress to reinvigorate the movement to act immediately on VAWA. Please stay tuned for ways to get involved and take action to support the passage of VAWA in 2013.
Photo credits found here