Philadelphia Police Responded to Over 100,000 Reports of Domestic Abuse in 2010
Reauthorization Includes Casey Provision to Reduce Sexual Violence on College Campuses
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Meeting with anti-sexual abuse and anti-domestic violence advocates at the University of Pennsylvania’s Women’s Center, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today urged Congress to pass the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The Senate last night passed a version of the legislation that included provisions of Senator Casey’s Campus SaVE Act, which aims to combat sexual violence on college campuses, but now the House must act on the bill.
“VAWA has proven to be extremely effective in protecting Pennsylvania women and supporting victims of abuse and assault, and I call on the House to quickly pass this legislation so that these critical protections are not lost,” said Senator Casey. “I am particularly encouraged by the inclusion of my provisions to combat sexual violence on college campuses in the Senate-passed version of VAWA so that college campuses are safe and secure places to learn and work.”
The provisions of Senator Casey’s Campus SaVE Act included in VAWA would ensure that campuses respond swiftly and appropriately to reports of sexual violence and empower students and employees to end unhealthy relationships and seek assistance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently conducted a survey that found that one in five women have been raped in their lifetimes, and one in four has been the victim of severe violence by an intimate partner.
In Pennsylvania, VAWA helps support a vital network of programs like shelters and counseling programs that serve all 67 counties.
###
