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Girls Inc.: Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

I always want girls to know their full potential by understanding the depth of our strengths, and how we can change the world.  

Whitney, 15 

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Girls Inc. needs you! Time is running out to pass the Violence Against Women Act. On February 12th, the Senate passed the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA). In addition to including the original protections of VAWA, the Senate version of the bill protects LGBT women and Native Americans by authorizing tribal law enforcement to prosecute non-tribal perpetrators of domestic violence on reservations.


The House is the only obstacle to enacting this law. The House version seeks to protect victims without specifying who would be protected and does not sufficiently protect victims of domestic violence on Native American reservations. However, that version is expected to fail, paving the path for the Senate version to pass Congress and be signed into law by President Obama.


So, where do you come in? The House will vote on VAWA on the afternoon of Thursday February 28th. If the House version fails, the House will immediately vote on the Senate version of the bill. Your help in these final hours is critical! Please call and/or email your representative and urge them to pass this critical legislation.

 

Your voice could save countless victims - both present and future - of horrific violence. Thank you on behalf of myself and all girls.


-Judy Vredenburgh
Girls Inc., President and CEO