This week, a bipartisan group of senators reintroduced the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This is essentially the same bipartisan bill that the Senate passed last April to improve VAWA programs and ensure that all victims get the services they need. The House didn't pass this version of VAWA before the end of 2012, so now we must renew our efforts today to protect victims of domestic violence.

Your passionate advocacy got this bill passed in the Senate last year. Let's keep the momentum going: Urge your senators to co-sponsor and vote for VAWA!

Dear [Senator],

As your constituent, I join with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in strongly urging you to co-sponsor and vote for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization (S. 47).

VAWA strengthens enforcement of state and federal anti-violence laws and underwrites effective prevention and victim support programs. It is one of the best tools law enforcement, prosecutors, and community service providers have to help protect and support women who have experienced gender violence. It also streamlines these community programs, saving billions of state and federal dollars.

VAWA reauthorization is long overdue and should be a priority in the 113th Congress. Senate bill 47, introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Michael Crapo (R-ID), is a bipartisan bill that would improve VAWA programs and ensure that all victims get the services they need. It is essentially the same legislation that passed in the Senate in April 2012. AAUW is particularly pleased that S. 47 includes campus safety provisions, which will ensure that colleges and universities have comprehensive procedures in place to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Violence against women creates significant barriers to equality for women. When women and girls feel threatened or are at risk of experiencing violence, it interferes with their ability to pursue education, employment, and family responsibilities. VAWA plays an enormous role in combating gender violence, providing legal recourse to victims, and enabling women to achieve fairness in employment, education, and at home.

[Your comments here]

I strongly urge you to co-sponsor and vote for the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[Your name here]