In response to the introduction of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act in the first 100 days of the new legislative session, Elisha Rhodes, Interim CEO, YWCA USA has issued the following statement:“At a time when the onset and prolonged duration of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls, reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act is more crucial than ever,” said Elisha Rhodes, Interim CEO, YWCA USA. As the largest network of domestic and sexual violence service providers, YWCA sees first-hand the toll of gender-based violence on women and marginalized communities, and the need for improved responses that address the realities they face. This bill strengthens protections and helps more survivors access resources they need to be safe, including in the areas of housing, economic security assistance, and improved healthcare system response that are so vital as our nation struggles through the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, this bill invests in prevention, targets resources to reach underserved communities of color, and closes legal loopholes that leave too many women vulnerable to violence. Survivors cannot wait any longer for VAWA to be reauthorized. We urge Congress to pass this legislation without delay.As the largest network of domestic and sexual violence service providers, YWCA sees first-hand the toll of gender-based violence on women and marginalized communities, and the need for improved responses that address the realities they face. According to our internal survey conducted in 2020, 69% of YWCAs who operate domestic violence hotlines and 64% of YWCAs who provide emergency shelter or transitional housing reported increases in demand for their services. In the face of these growing needs, survivors shouldn’t have to wait any longer for VAWA to be reauthorized, and we urge Congress to reauthorize it without delay.”