ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images The U.S. Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 22, 2018, as the government continues in a partial shutdown. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) officially expired at midnight last Friday due to the partial government shutdown that is now in its sixth day. “Don’t let this go unnoticed: the Violence Against Women Act, which helps survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, expired with the government shutdown,” Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) tweeted on Sunday, adding, “It’s deeply concerning.”Actor and Me Too activist Alyssa Milano added her disappointment, tweeting: “What kind of country allows its Violence Against Women Act to expire?”The landmark legislation, which protects domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, was set to expire on Sept. 30 and later on Dec. 7, but was given short-term extensions each time. Prior to the shutdown, both the House and Senate passed budget agreements that would cover the costs of VAWA programs through Feb. 8, 2019. Grants already awarded before the shutdown will not be affected, but future payments for anti-domestic and anti-sexual violence programs funded by VAWA will be cut off until the legislation is reauthorized.

Source: Huffington Post December 27, 2018 16:07 UTC