‘It’s a real loss for survivors.’ Domestic violence law remains stalled in U.S. Senate.

For decades, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was an issue that could transcend partisan politics on Capitol Hill. Not anymore. The landmark law — first passed in 1994 to protect victims of domestic crimes — funds programs like rape crisis centers, shelters and legal services to victims of domestic abuse. But after several unsuccessful attempts to reauthorize the legislation, it lapsed last February amid partisan sniping in Washington, and advocates warn that critical programs will be in jeopardy if it’s not renewed. The U.S. House passed legislation to reauthorize the law last April, but efforts have stalled in the U.S. Senate. In December, U.S. Reps. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) and Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) were among a group of female lawmakers who marched to the office of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), demanding action on VAWA and other legislation. Since President Bill Clinton signed VAWA into law in 1994, the landmark legislation has significantly shifted responses to and support for victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, creating reliable judicial pathways for redress.