Outrage as There Are 172 Votes To Oppose Violence Against Women Act | 22 Words

Women have been left outraged after 172 Republicans voted against the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act...

It has sparked a huge debate online over the safety of women.

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Because the issue surrounding women's safety from men has been debated for many years now.

It's always the same narrative and outcome that millions of women all around the world face every single day...

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And the scary thing is that its been normalized by so many different cultures.

​Did you know that in the United Kingdom, ninety-seven percent of young women have been sexually harassed by men at some point in their lives?

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A survey released by UN Women UK has found that this percentage of females aged between eighteen and twenty-four have suffered sexual harassment, as women report losing faith in the ability of authorities to effectively deal with the abuse that they receive.

This is not okay...

And although the awareness surrounding domestic abuse and sexual harassment is now more prominent than ever, way too many women find themselves as victims of these horrendous crimes every single day.

The recent terrorists attack where 7 women were killed across 3 massage parlors in Atlanta, Georgia is just the latest in horrific events...

Making women, especially POC and trans women even more fearful of their lives.

While raising awareness on the issue, women have run into several problems.

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And yes, most of them include men who are standing against them in their fight for equality.

Women understand that it's "not all men."

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The stats say so, but how do you spot which man is an abuser and which is not? In a line-up of men, who are the biggest perpetrators for these kinds of crimes, could you pick out the ones that have committed heinous acts against other women? Nope, you can't and that's exactly why it's hard to differentiate between them so women stay wary of the vast majority in order to protect themselves from the possibility.

"But it happens to men too..." Yes, we know. But yet again, the statistics show that men commit more acts of violence against other men.

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So it just begs the question: Why are you not helping women get to the root of this problem if there's a possibility of it happening to you too? Is it too hard to criticize one's own gender? Internalized misogyny is one of society's worst traits and it really shows during these types of discussions.

And now, to make matters worse...

172 republicans voted against the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The act, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)...

Creates and supports comprehensive, cost-effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking."

The act was originally authored by Joe Biden and fell through back in 2019...

Luckily, representatives voted 244 to 172 in favor of the bill, with Democrats being the main party to vote for the bill.

NNEDV, in a press release, said...

That it "applauds the bill's lead sponsors, Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and all those who voted for VAWA's passage."

Deborah Vagins, president of NNEDV, said...

It was a vote "to support survivors... that both maintains established protections and resources and expands VAWA to address ongoing gaps in the law."

She continued...


"The pandemic continues to reveal deep racial and gender inequalities that impact survivors' lives and jeopardize their safety. The VAWA addresses the needs of historically marginalized survivors in a number of critical ways."

The act will also end the "boyfriend loophole"...


Where those convicted of domestic violence are banned from owning guns but partners that aren't married and ex-partners are not.

Ms. Vagins said the bill "builds on the progress that has been made for survivors, but acknowledges there is much more to be done to prevent violence, address abuse, and ensure safety"...

"The bill takes a comprehensive approach, addressing the complex realities of survivors' lives. We celebrate the House bill and urge the Senate to swiftly pass it."

​One user on Twitter thanked those who voted for the VAWA reauthorization...

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"My daughter's ex-husband was financially abusive to her during their marriage. She's fortunate that she had a godfather & extended family who could support her as she left the marriage. Obviously, not all women are that blessed. So, TY for your advocacy," she said.

While the bill's passage was a positive move, the fact that so many Republicans voted against it was worrying.

Jake Lobin, whose bio reads "devout Democrat," tweeted" "172 Republicans voted against renewing the Violence Against Women Act today because they see no problem with violence against women."

Another user blasted the Republicans for having "no redeeming qualities," and others accused them of not caring about the safety of women...

President Biden welcomed the bill's passage, saying: "I urge the Senate to follow their lead to renew and strengthen this landmark law.

"Writing and passing VAWA is one of the legislative accomplishments of which I'm most proud. VAWA has transformed the way our country responds to violence against women."

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