By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-1003875.mp3
Burlington, VT – Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy has co-authored the legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Earlier reauthorizations in 2000 and 2005 passed with strong bi-partisan support. But this time, Republicans have offered amendments that would weaken and reduce funding for the program. Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling hosted Senator Leahy at the city Police Department as the state's senior senator called for support of the bill. Chief Shirling says law enforcement, advocacy and criminal justice have made great strides in the nearly two decades the law has been in effect, but they've only scratched the surface.
Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Director Karen Tronsgard-Scott says reauthorization is vital to support the services and the survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
The White Ribbon Campaign of Vermont is a group of men working to end men's violence against women. Co-Chair Ron Redmond says the Violence Against Women Act keeps the issue of domestic and sexual violence in the public eye.
Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell says the act has had a real impact in changing overall attitudes about domestic and sexual violence in Vermont.
According to national statistics provided by Senator Leahy's office, three women are killed every day by abusive husbands or boyfriends. In VT 51-percent of all homicides since 1994 were related to domestic violence.