Letter: Pass the Violence Against Women Act re-authorization

Martha McSally recently spoke to the media about alleged incidents of violence committed against her by a high school coach. I called her office in DC to ask if she would vote for the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The person I spoke with didn't know what her position was, and when I asked to speak to a staffer who might, I was told I would just have to call back every day to see if someone was available. I thought someone who alleged that they were a victim of sexual assault would support VAWA. This law has saved thousands of women's lives and provided critically needed services and shelters for hundreds of thousands. It increases funding for rape prevention and education and has strong bipartisan support. I plead with Rep. McSally to support this legislation so other women do not face years of hiding from sexual trauma.