On March 8th, 2021, members of the House of Representatives, Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), reintroduced the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The act, which had previously lapsed in 2018 after the Republican controlled Senate blocked the passage of the legislation, will provide funding and grants for programs aimed at addressing domestic violence, among other things. Proponents, according to The Hill, argue that it is a necessary step in protecting abuse victims. Opponents of the legislation, on the other hand, will likely include Republican lawmakers who argue that a provision in the bill, the “boyfriend loophole,” will restrict gun rights as it prohibits dating partners convicted of assault or stalking from purchasing firearms. The legislation, which President Biden supports and committed to making a priority within his first 100 days, is scheduled to go to the floor sometime next week.
Instructors, click on the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom.
The deck contains a writing prompt, a debate question, as well as other assessment questions.
Video
Assessment
- Writing: Explain the significance of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), especially as cases of domestic violence have increased amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
- Debate: Do you believe that the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) will pass with bipartisan support?
- Poll: Domestic violence is an epidemic. (Agree or Disagree).
- Short Answer: Discuss the provisions of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
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