White House Blog: Ensuring that LGBT Victims of Domestic Violence Can Access Critically Needed Services and Protections

On the White House Blog today, Lynn Rosenthal and Tonya Robinson write, in part:

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee approved legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, but failed to include critical provisions that would ensure that all victims of domestic violence can access vital services and protections.  Victims are victims, and, if you have been battered, stalked or otherwise threatened with violence, you should not be turned away by a shelter or denied the assistance you need merely because the aggressor is the same sex as you or because you are transgender.  Yet, the legislation approved by the House Judiciary Committee and being considered this week on the House floor would allow just that. 

Read the complete article here.