In 2012, Senator Richard Burr refused to support the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization, which provides lifesaving protections to women and families across the country. On the 21st anniversary of the passage of VAWA, North Carolina voters still find it unacceptable that their senator voted against supporting the recovery of domestic violence victims.
“Republicans in Congress have shown their complete disregard for women’s livelihoods and health, calling for the defunding of Planned Parenthood, the top women’s health provider in the nation, and opposing important equal pay and family leave legislation. Nothing is more shameful than their opposition — including Senator Richard Burr’s — to VAWA. Despite more than 95,000 domestic violence hotline calls, Senator Burr still voted no to provide critically important funding for these victims,” said American Bridge President Jessica Mackler.
Background:
2012: Burr Voted Against Reauthorizing The Violence Against Women Act. In April 2012, Burr voted against the proposed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012 (VAWA), which expanded the protections offered by the original 1994 Act and later extensions of it. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 68 to 31. A version of VAWA passed the House in May 2012, but the chambers were unable to reconcile their differing bills. [Senate Vote 87, 4/26/12; All Congressional Actions, S.1925; All Congressional Actions, H.R. 4970]
In 2010-2011, North Carolina Domestic Violence Programs Received 95,877 Hotline Calls From 61,283 Clients. [North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Accessed 9/11/15]
Published: Sep 14, 2015