Villa Urges Congress to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act

BATAVIA, Ill. –To bring attention to the Violence Against Women Act, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is sponsoring new legislation to embolden Congress to reauthorize this critical measure.

“Gender-based violence is a serious public health issue and the Violence Against Women Act has been proven to save lives,” said Villa. “As Donald Trump and his extreme allies have continued to wage their war against women, transgender and non-binary individuals, Congress can stand up for the nearly one in four women that has experienced sexual or physical violence from an intimate partner.”

Villa is sponsoring House Resolution 632, which urges Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, a piece of legislation that provides significant funding toward the investigation and prosecution of violent gender-based crimes. The Violence Against Women Act has historically provided funding for other important programs including grants to combat violence on college campuses, funding for safe haven programs and services for sexual assault survivors.

During her time in Springfield, Villa has continually supported initiatives to support survivors, including a recent comprehensive initiative to crack down on human trafficking, and a new law to protect the privacy rights of survivors of sexual assault, stalking and domestic violence.

“This important legislation funds critical programs that protect and help empower survivors, ensuring they receive the support they need as they build a life away from their abusers” continued Villa. “I urge Congress to stand up for women and other individuals that face gender-based violence by reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com. If you or a loved one is experiencing intimate partner violence, help is available through the Illinois Department of Human Services’ free, 24-hour hotline at 877-863-6338.