New Brunswick, NJ—On Monday, February 22, 2013 at 12:30 p.m., Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will visit Manavi in New Brunswick, NJ, an organization providing critical service to primarily South Asian women who are victims of violence.  Pallone will be joined by New Jersey State Senator Nia Gill and representatives from the Center on Violence Against Women and Children at Rutgers University.  The Group will tour Manavi’s facility and meet with the organization’s staff, as well as representative of their board of directors.  Following his tour, Pallone will address the press to discuss the urgent need for the House passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which offers vital protections that protect all women from violence.

Since 1994 VAWA has been an essential tool in protecting victims of domestic violence.  Earlier this month, a bill to reauthorize the law was passed in the U.S. Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 78 to 22.  The Senate passed bill includes provisions that significantly expand protections to women from the LGBT, Native American and immigrant communities.  The bill strengthens the ability of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

House Republicans blocked a similar bill in the last Congress and have shown no indication that they will move forward on bringing the law up for a vote in the near future.  Without reauthorizing VAWA, groups like Manavi will lose crucial support that helps them provide service to victims of domestic violence.

Manavi, provides short-term service to survivors of domestic violence, while also addressing long-term social change goals through community outreach education, trainings and advocacy.  Manavi has previously received VAWA support to assist in the delivery of services.

“Protecting all women from violence is not a Republican or Democratic issue,” said Pallone, who has been an ardent supporter of VAWA and voted for the original 1994 bill.  “VAWA is particularly important to women from immigrant communities who are often less likely to seek help in domestic violence situation.  The work they do to protect South Asian women is so necessary for our community, which is why House Republicans must stop blocking this bill immediately.”

WHAT:

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to visit Manavi, a domestic violence service provider dedicated to helping South Asian women in New Jersey and hold press conference calling for the passage of the Violence Against Women Act

WHO:

Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., (NJ-06), NJ State Senator Nia Gill and representatives from Manavi and the Rutgers University Center on Violence Against Women and Children

WHERE:

390 George St.

New Brunswick, NJ 08903

WHEN:

12:30 p.m.

Monday, February 25, 2013