STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON SENATE PASSAGE OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
“Today’s bipartisan passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act by the U.S. Senate provides key support for the continuation of programs and services that grant lifesaving assistance to hundreds of thousands of victims of domestic violence. In New York City, the funding from this Act has been used to help establish innovative Family Justice Centers, which have reduced the barriers faced by victims of domestic violence who are seeking help by providing them one location where they can meet with trained counselors, prosecutors, and apply for housing and financial assistance.
“Last year the Senate passed a similar bill, which the House of Representatives failed to enact. I strongly urge the House to take up and quickly pass the Senate bill, which expands vital domestic violence services to immigrant and lesbian, gay, and transgendered people. I would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their continued leadership on this issue and all the Senators who voted for this important legislation today.”