[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13712]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 13712]]

                   VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT OF 2000

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, in 1994 we passed the original 
Violence Against Women Act, creating programs that addressed the many 
forms of domestic violence all-too prevalent in the United States 
today. The bill helped communities create shelters, build partnerships 
among law enforcement agencies to respond to violence against women, 
and provide legal assistance to battered women. The bill also 
established a domestic violence hotline that receives hundreds of calls 
daily from people concerned about violence in their families. Now, we 
have the opportunity and responsibility to reauthorize this legislation 
to give women and children a way out of violent and unhealthy 
situations.
  For groups that strive to combat domestic violence, the original 
Violence Against Women Act was a turning point in their battle. In my 
state, the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence stands as 
an outstanding example of the great work that groups devoted to the 
noble cause of stamping out domestic violence can do when Congress acts 
appropriately. With the added funding provided by the Violence Against 
Women Act, the Coalition was able to quadruple its staff, increase the 
budgets of its shelters to meet their day-to-day needs, and increase 
services to under-served parts of the population of West Virginia. Many 
of the women who escape from violent homes cannot afford legal 
services, but thanks to grants authorized under the Violence Against 
Women Act, thirteen civil legal assistance programs are now in place 
around West Virginia providing free representation for women.
  The Coalition also computerized its entire network, enabling instant 
communication with offices in other parts of rural West Virginia. By 
creating a database that compiles information on offenders from all 
over the state, they were able to work with regional jails, sheriffs, 
and other law enforcement agencies to use this valuable resource. I am 
proud to say that several other states have used West Virginia's system 
as a model, helping to combat domestic violence within their borders.
  Passing the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 not only sustains 
existing programs, but creates several new initiatives that extend help 
to different groups and communities. The bill establishes a new formula 
for calculating some of the grants, enabling small states like West 
Virginia to continue to expand their services. In addition, it augments 
current policies with protections for older and disabled women, and 
builds on legal assistance programs to further expand coverage.
  Perhaps most importantly, the passage of this legislation conveys the 
important message that the federal government considers domestic 
violence to be a serious issue. Those of us in Congress share in this 
concern with the people we serve. We can take some pride that by acting 
to address these problems, we may have moved some State governments to 
improve their services to abused spouses and children, and to increase 
the penalties meted out to the abusers.
  By paying attention to this enormously important issue, and by 
enhancing the current legislation, we are taking steps in the right 
direction. Although the measures in the original legislation have 
helped to alleviate the problem, we must continue to wage a persistent 
fight as long as anyone feels unsafe in their homes.

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