Rep. Barbara Hernandez Calls on Federal Government to Combat Domestic Violence

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is calling on Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, demanding federal officials restore protections for survivors of abuse which were allowed to lapse in 2019.

“Every day, countless women throughout Illinois have to face the threat of domestic violence, and the federal government needs to make a serious commitment to keeping that threat in check,” Hernandez said. “No woman deserves an unsafe living situation. It’s time to send a message to all potentially-abusive partners that any abuse, whether by verbal threats, physical intimidation or actual violence, will not be tolerated.”

To help combat domestic violence, Hernandez is backing House Resolution 632, which calls on Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. This resolution comes in the wake of a recent rise of incidents of domestic violence against women from an intimate partner. A 2018 report from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence showed that over a third of women have experienced physical violence in a relationship, and that number is expected to increase.

“Violence against women is a public health hazard that Congress must address with robust preventative measures,” Hernandez said. “As I continue to work to reduce this problem in Illinois, I urge Congress to take similar actions for the sake of women across the U.S.”