Kirsten Gillibrand: Women are counting on us. They deserve to be safe

Robert, When it comes to the Violence Against Women Act, it’s really quite simple: There is no room for violence against women anywhere in our society. Not now – and not ever. Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Patty Murray, and I have made passing VAWA our first priority. As chair of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Leahy has pledged to bring this up for a vote next week. But we need you to help us pass it. We have always had a bipartisan consensus on VAWA. In 2005, the House voted to reauthorize it 415-4. But now, for the first time in 20 years, House Republicans refused to support the bill, allowing this crucial piece of legislation to expire. There is no reason we shouldn’t be able to come together now. Help us tell House Republicans the political circus has to end. Women cannot wait any longer. You can make a difference by speaking out. Join Sen. Leahy, Sen. Murray, and me as we stand with women and tell House Republicans: End the partisan games and renew VAWA. We cannot continue to do nothing while women are victimized. To block this law is a disservice to the families affected by domestic violence every day. It shouldn’t matter where you live or whom you love: Everyone deserves to be safe. While we are mired in gridlock over a bill that has always been bipartisan, each day 600 women are raped or sexually assaulted, while three women are murdered by a husband, boyfriend, or partner. It has to end! Keeping women and families safe is a basic, common sense principle. It’s critical. We have to be able to agree again now. Sen. Leahy, Sen. Murray, and I are taking a stand – but that won’t be enough. We need you to stand with us. Support VAWA in the Senate and make sure House Republicans know, unequivocally, that we will accept nothing less than the immediate passage of this law. Women are counting on us. They deserve to be safe. Let’s make sure we’re doing all we can to help them. Thank you, Kirsten