RES 2005-35 SUPPORT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT OF 2005RESOLUTION NO. 2005-35
A RESOLUTION expressing support for the reauthorization of the Violence Against
Women Act of 2005.
WHEREAS, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, and reauthorized
VAWA in 2000; and
WHEREAS, violence against women directly affects at least one in four women across the nation; and
WHEREAS, almost 70% of domestic violence victims are still without legal representation despite the
passage of VAWA; and
WHEREAS, nunors under the age of eighteen account for sixty-seven percent of all sexual assault
victimizations reported to law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, over eight million children in the United States witness domestic violence each year; and
WHEREAS, the Bainbridge Island Police Department received over 170 domestic violence calls in 2004;
and
WHEREAS, VAWA was passed to address the complex problem of domestic violence and has had a
remarkable impact on women, children and men across the nation; and
WHEREAS, VAWA has employed a multi -disciplinary approach involving coordinated efforts between
law enforcement, prosecutors, non -profits, courts, health care providers, child protective services and service
providers; and
WHEREAS, from 1995 to the present, Congress has appropriated almost $3.8 billion dollars to the various
programs created by VAWA; and
WHEREAS, since the enactment of VAWA, rates of domestic violence incidents have dropped by almost
50%; and
WHEREAS, incidents of rape are down by 60% since the passage of VAWA; and
WHEREAS, the number of women killed by an abusive husband or boyfriend has declined by 22%; and
WHEREAS, more than one million women have obtained domestic violence protective orders after the
passage of VAWA; and
WHEREAS, VAWA established new criminal penalties including developing the first federal offense for
interstate domestic violence and stalking and doubled federal penalties for repeat sex offenders; and
WHEREAS, VAWA required that states and tribes fully enforce restraining orders issued by other states or
tribes; and
WHEREAS, more than 16,000 calls each month are placed to the National Hotline on Domestic Violence,
created by VAWA; and
WHEREAS, the provision of STOP grants through VAWA serve to save money for state and tribal
governments in the long run by reducing incidents of domestic violence and thereby avoiding other costs associated
with domestic violence incidents, such as medical and legal costs; and
WHEREAS, VAWA has led to an increased public awareness about domestic violence, distributing
information to local communities; and
WHEREAS, the reauthorization in 2000 strengthened the initial legislation by providing grants for legal
assistance, transitional housing costs, protection for older victims and those with disabilities, supervised visitation
for children who have witnessed domestic violence and added protections for immigrant women victimized by
domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, VAWA has expanded and strengthened the ability of state, local and tribal governments to
respond to and prevent domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, there may be efforts in Congress to decrease VAWA funding and reduce the amount that will
be appropriated to combat domestic violence.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Bainbridge Island encourages Congress to
authorize the Violence .Against Women Act in 2005; and that Congress increases the programming for prevention
for the state, local and tribal governments; and that Congress provides increased appropriations to aid children and
youth who are victims and witnesses of domestic violence.
PASSED by the City Council this 12th day of October, 2005.
APPROVED by the Mayor this 13th day of October, 2005.
DARLENE KORDONOWY, Mayor
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
SUSAN P. KASPER, City Clerk
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:: October 5, 2005
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: October 12, 2005
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-35