(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Corrine Brown is pleased to announce that the city of Gainesville will receive a grant for $352,970 from the Department of Justice's Violence against Women (VAWA) program's "Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program." 

Essentially, the grant encourages Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program (Arrest) implements certain provisions of the Violence against Women Act, which was enacted in September 1994 as Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.  The program enhances victim safety and offender accountability in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, by encouraging jurisdictions to implement pro-arrest policies as an effective intervention that is part of a coordinated community response. An integral component of Arrest Program initiatives is the creation and enhancement of collaborative partnerships between criminal justice agencies, victim services providers, and community organizations, which respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.

"I am thrilled to see the City of Gainesville is receiving this important funding.  I remember when, in 1994, during my first session representing the third district in Congress, when then President Bill Clinton signed the Violence against Women Act into law, as part of the Omnibus Crime Bill.  And without a doubt, over these last 15 years, this Act has made major strides in making America's women safer and more secure, as well as working to ensure that the victims of violence receive the services they need.

"The Violence against Women Act (VAWA) was groundbreaking legislation that strengthened the nation's response to the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  This law in fact, has not only strengthened criminal laws and provided funding to improve the criminal justice system's response to these serious crimes, but it has also laid the groundwork for local coordinated community responses to end violence against women by bringing together victim advocates, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the judiciary.  In addition, the enactment of VAWA has led to a broader understanding that prevention of domestic violence is also a public health issue and has engaged health care professionals in the effort.

"Moreover, the number of domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers and comprehensive service programs has increased significantly since the bill was enacted.  With domestic violence shelters, VAWA funds have strengthened women and their families by providing the resources they need to courageously leave their batterers. 

"Beyond a doubt, The Violence Against Women Act ushered in a new era in response to violence against women.  Quite a lot has been accomplished in the last 15 years, but the number of incidents of violence against women remains much too high, and, I believe, we must all rededicate ourselves to better protecting America's women from violence and to supporting survivors."

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