**Action Alert Update** Klobuchar-Hutchison bipartisan provision to strengthen stalking laws, 12.1.2011

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) successfully included a bipartisan provision to strengthen federal stalking laws in legislation reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which is currently set to expire in 2011. The Klobuchar-Hutchison provision was supported by ESPN reporter Erin Andrews after a predator used modern technology to stalk her.

The senators’ legislation included in the Violence Against Women Act would help law enforcement more effectively target high-tech predators. Klobuchar said that the Violence Against Women Act, which is being introduced today by U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), has played a critical role in efforts to prevent domestic violence and alleviate its impact in communities across the nation.
Read full article at www.hometownsource.com

History

In 17 years, VAWA has given survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking... unprecedented access to improved services and ultimately, safety. VAWA has saved countless lives, protected families, given a voice to survivors and provided invaluable training to the criminal justice community. VAWA is landmark legislation in the movement to end violence against women and girls, and is both a symbol and actualization of what it means to create healing and justice for survivors and their communities. Please help stress this message to your representative!

Take Action

In Texas, call John Cornyn (202) 224-2934 and Kay Bailey Hutchison (202) 224-5922.

Helpful Talking Points

1. We know that Senator _________ cares about ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
2. The Violence Against Women Act is critical to our ability to address these crimes in our state.
3. There is evidence showing that VAWA has saved millions of dollars and countless lives.
4. We are asking for you to be an original co-sponsor of the Leahy/Crapo bill that will be introduced on Wednesday.
5. Please contact Anya McMurray or Noah Bookbinder at (202) 224-7703 to sign on to the bill.