NAWJ ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA)

NAWJ President Honorable Tanya R. Kennedy forwarded a statement of support to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) regarding the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):  

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF REAUTHORIZATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) submits this statement in full support of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). We encourage the reauthorization, just as we have vigorously supported this legislation since its original enactment in 1994.

NAWJ is an organization with over 1,000 members, which includes both men and women, on our nation’s trial, appellate, administrative, and tribal courts, as well as attorneys, law professors, and law students committed to our mission of ensuring equal access to justice for all.

Our members know first-hand the effect of violence in the lives of immigrant women and underserved families. Too often these cases have continued to fill our court dockets, and this legislation is essential if we are to continue to go forward.

In addition to addressing the important issues of domestic and sexual violence against women, VAWA has restored hope by providing resources for law enforcement, education, counseling and shelter. NAWJ is and will continue to support such vital legislation which impacts the nation’s most vulnerable and underrepresented populations.

Sincerely,

Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy

President

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President Kennedy extended thanks to Judge Mary Schroeder (NAWJ Past President 1998-99) for her assistance in composing an initial draft regarding our support of VAWA.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee was one of five U.S. Representatives who attended NAWJ’s Annual Meeting with the Congressional Women’s Caucus on Capitol Hill, and she invited NAWJ to attend a press conference Thursday, July 26, 2018 regarding the reauthorization of VAWA.  President Kennedy also extends sincere thanks to Judge Brenda Murray (NAWJ Past President 1992-93) for representing NAWJ due to President Kennedy’s inability to travel to Washington, D.C. Below is a summary of Judge Murray’s report on Thursday’s press conference:

Conference attendees included Minority Leader Pelosi (CA), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (MD), Jerrold Nadler (NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Congressional Women’s Caucus Co-Chair Lois Frankel (FL) and Congressional Members John Delaney (MD), Debbie Dingell (MI), Ann Kuster (NH), Brad Schneider (IL), and Frederica Wilson (FL).

Leader Pelosi recalled how reauthorization stalled from 2005 to 2013 over objections to expand VAWA to include LGBTQ persons and immigrants. Passage finally occurred because “outside groups made the issue too hot to handle” for the opposition.

NAWJ generated great momentum at the July 18, 2018 meeting with the Women’s Caucus, and it will stay at the forefront of this important issue. NAWJ’s presence at the press conference marked another step in our efforts in joining forces with Congress to support reauthorization.

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About NAWJ: Since its formation in 1979, NAWJ has inspired and led the American judiciary in achieving fairness and equality for vulnerable populations. NAWJ’s mission is to promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and equal access to justice.

For more information contact the National Association of Women Judges at nawj@nawj.org or call (202) 393-0222.