Seventeen years ago today, President Clinton signed into law the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which has enhanced law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute violent crimes against women.
The milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made to protect women from violence, as well as reflect on the work that still needs to occur to put an end to abusive behavior.
“As a Delawarean, I am proud of my state’s long tradition of support for the Violence Against Women Act,” Senator Coons said. “When then-Senator Biden first introduced VAWA in 1990, he was among the first to recognize domestic violence as a national issue that demands a national response.”
Still today, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and here in Delaware, police respond to over 14,000 reports of intimate partner violence each year.
“We still have a long road ahead of us to eradicating domestic abuse,” Chris said. “Abuse isn’t confined to one demographic; it inflicts harm to all ages, races and socioeconomic classes. It is occurring in our state and our neighborhoods. I encourage all Delawareans, who think they are victims of abuse or know someone who is being abused, to seek help. While escaping an abusive relationship is a hard and sometimes dangerous task, know that there are many individuals who are here to work with you.”
If you think you are a victim of abuse, or what to talk to someone, please call the appropriate local 24-hour hotline below.
- New Castle County: 302-762-6110
- Kent and Sussex Counties: 302-422-8058
- Bilingual Hotline in Sussex County: 302-745-9874