WASHINGTON –  DNC Interim Chair Donna Brazile issued the following statement on the Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act:
 
“When Democrats passed the Violence Against Women Act twenty-two years ago, it was the first piece of federal legislation to seriously address domestic violence and sexual assault against women. Because of the law, and subsequent reauthorizations and expansions that Democrats fought for, fewer people have been the victims of domestic violence, more victims are reporting domestic and sexual violence to law enforcement, and more women have access to the services and support they need to rebuild their lives after a crime.
 
“Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party remain committed to standing up for the safety and security of women and girls. We must continue fighting to break the cycle of violence. As a senator, Hillary Clinton co-sponsored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. As first lady, she supported the creation of the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. And as secretary of state, she rallied the international community to act to end violence against women.
 
“The contrast with the Republican Party and their nominee, Donald Trump, is stark. In 2013, Republicans in Congress staunchly opposed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Donald Trump suggested that women experiencing sexual harassment could just find another job. He suggested that sexual assault in the military was to be expected when men and women serve in the armed forces together. He said women who get an abortion should be punished. And he has called women ‘slobs,’ ‘fat pigs’ and ‘disgusting.’ 
 
“The choice this November is clear. We must elect a president who respects women, and who treats domestic violence – and all violence against women – seriously. We must elect a Democrat as our next president. We must elect Hillary Clinton.”