Statement from Lt. Governor Brown on the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Againt Women Act

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 10, 2014) – Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown released the following statement today in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which was signed into law on September 14, 1994:

“Domestic violence knows no bounds—its impact is felt in all of our communities regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, economic status, gender or age. This week, as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, we recognize the tremendous role this law has played in our efforts to address and reduce domestic violence and assist victims in Maryland and across our country.

“Funding from VAWA has allowed us to provide life-saving resources for victims, train law enforcement to better identify and assist victims, and establish unique programs such as Maryland’s hospital-based domestic violence screening and assessment programs that help end the cycle of violence. Due to these and other efforts, the Violence Against Women Act has been a key tool in reducing violent crime against women and children in Maryland by more than 26 percent over the past 7 years.

“I want to thank Vice President Biden, U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski and Maryland’s entire Congressional Delegation for their tireless efforts to protect VAWA funding and ensure we can continue our progress toward the goal of eliminating this senseless crime.”