Keep up fight against domestic violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as an Oct. 4 story pointed out, 13 men and women are victims of domestic violence every day in Monroe County. Their stories, and the tragedy at SUNY Brockport, are reminders of how important the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has been for our nation.
The VAWA, which Congresswoman Louise Slaughter co-wrote, has helped millions of victims find safety and security while reducing incidents of domestic violence. Tragically, Republicans in Congress have ignored voices like Slaughter’s and they’ve blocked the law’s re-authorization because they don’t want to extend the law’s protections to Native Americans, immigrants or LGBT victims. Apparently, they don’t think certain people are entitled to the emergency shelters, counseling and rape crisis centers that the law funds.
We need to keep Slaughter in Congress so she can continue fighting for all victims of domestic violence and for women’s safety and health.
CHRISTINA GORDON
PITTSFORD