After all of the bipartisan work that has been done to produce a balanced VAWA reauthorization. it is an outrage that at the last minute. Republican Leadership is shortchanging women of color who are victims of domestic violence. When considering VAWA. we must recognize the complex problems facing women of color. particularly immigrant women. who are victims of domestic violence. Women of color are less likely to report incidents of domestic violence. which means that studies of domestic violence among communities of color do not reflect the reality o these womens lives. Women of color who are victims of domestic violence are at an even greater risk when their spouses control the immigration status of their family members. Women of color also face institutional barriers to reporting abuse or seeking help for domestic violence. because of restrictions on public assistance. limited access to immigration relief. lack of translators. scarce educational materials in the womans native language. and other factors. By addressing domestic violence in these communities in a way that understands their culture and values. we greatly increase the chance of making a difference for women of color who are being abused. It is my hope that the reauthorization for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is comprehensive and meets the needs of all women.
Identified stereotypes
Women of color are less likely to report domestic violence.