Sen. Murray Visits Mary’s Place Family Center in Seattle to Discuss Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act

Sen. Murray, who led efforts in Senate on 2013 update of VAWA, heard from local families and advocates about ways to improve the landmark legislation during its upcoming reauthorization in 2018 

Murray: “I stand proudly with survivors who have endured abuse, and will keep fighting to get them the resources they need to get back on their feet and for reauthorization of VAWA.”

Senator Murray hears from domestic violence survivors who were previously homeless and now work at Mary’s Place to help other women escape domestic violence.

(Seattle, WA) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) visited Mary’s Place in Seattle, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless women, children and families, many of whom have escaped violence at home. Murray took a tour of the new facility and heard from several survivors of domestic abuse, to get input on ways to improve the Violence Against Women Act when it’s up for reauthorization in 2018. She also discussed her work in Congress to fight for legislation like Survivors’ Access to Supportive Care Act (SASCA) and the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act.

“Ever since the Violence Against Women Act passed twenty-two years ago, women and families across the country have had an extra layer of protection and safety tools they need to get themselves out of dangerous domestic violence situations,” said Senator Murray. “I know you all are working hard to tackle these challenges here at Mary’s Place—and I want to let you know what I’m doing in Congress to support your work and make sure women’s voices continue to be heard. I stand proudly with survivors who have endured abuse, and will keep fighting to get them the resources they need to get back on their feet and for reauthorization of VAWA.”

In 2013, Senator Murray helped lead efforts in Congress to reauthorize VAWA and expand protections to cover more women in at-risk communities, including tribal women, the LGBT community, immigrants, and women on college campuses. For more information on her work to reauthorize and strengthen VAWA, click here. 

For a one-pager on Senator Murray’s work on these issues, click here.

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