Support VAWA Renewal

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is up for renewal this year, and Men’s Resources International is sponsoring a Men’s Declaration of Support petition to urge Congress to approve the reauthorization of VAWA. Per the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women, when VAWA was originally enacted in 1994 it "dramatically improved the law enforcement response to violence against women and made many more services available to victims. In 2000, Congress re-authorized the law, adding services for rural, older and immigrant women, as well as those with disabilities."

The current incarnation of VAWA "would enhance the civil and criminal justice response; improve services and outreach to victims; provide resources for sexual assault victims through rape crisis centers and state coalitions; help children and youth who experience or witness violence; address the needs of victims from communities of color; aid immigrant and tribal victims; and support prevention, health, housing and economic security programs designed to stop violence and help victims."

The Men’s Resource International Declaration of Support encourages men "to be part of the solution to the problem of domestic and sexual violence." Because I am married to a woman who has worked for both Domestic Violence and Sexual Assualt organizations, I am aware that there are very few men working in these fields. Since men perpetuate the vast majority of these types of crimes, it seems imperative to have more involvement from men in the endeavor to reduce the problem. Men can be positive role models to children and other men in modeling behavior that does not include violence.

VAWA would provide resources to Men’s Resources International and other organizations that are involved in training and supporting positive behaviors. Children are especially impressionable, and any programs involving children could prove to be invaluable. American society tolerates, even encourages, violence among boys, and children receive many messages through TV, movies, video games, etc. that demonstrate violence to be an OK option to handling conflict. VAWA would promote programs that offer more positive images to children, particularly those who have been exposed to violence in the household.

I encourage men to sign the Declaration, and I encourage all to let their Congress people know that you support the renewal of VAWA. The path to ending domestic and sexual violence against women is a long one, and this is a very important step toward moving us forward.