February 21, 2017

Senator Charles Schumer
United States Senate
780 Third Avenue, Ste. 2301
New York, NY 10017

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senate
780 Third Avenue, Ste. 2601
New York, NY 10017

Re: VAWA Grants

Dear Senators Schumer and Gillibrand,

On behalf of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) and its over 4,400 members, I write concerning President Trump’s dangerous proposal to defund twenty-five grants under the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). WBASNY has long advocated on behalf of victims of domestic violence, WBASNY supports the work of New York shelters and legal assistance programs dedicated to assisting survivors and their children rebuild safe and productive lives. These service providers will suffer serious setbacks without federal funding. In turn victims and children will suffer.

Our members are female and male attorneys dedicated to the advancement of women in law and society with chapters across New York State. We recognize the devastating impact of family violence in our society and that VAWA funding is needed to combat this crime across our state and our country. Cuts in funding under VAWA will risk the safety of children and their parents and increase costs for our communities. We urge you to do everything possible to prevent attacks of VAWA, a critical tool in the fight against domestic violence. Please let us know if our organization can assist in maintaining VAWA funding.

Very truly yours,

Jacqueline P. Flug
President, WBASNY