Democrats Criticize Ron DeSantis for Opposing the Violence Against Women Act

By Voting Against the Violence Against Women Act in 2013, DeSantis Established Himself as One the Most Extreme and Anti-Women Members of Congress

On the 24-year anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, State Senator Annette Taddeo, and Ambassador Nancy Soderberg criticized Ron DeSantis for opposing the bipartisan act in 2013 and refusing to stand with the victims of domestic violence.

DeSantis voted against the bill early in his career on Congress, effectively establishing himself as one of the most anti-women and extreme members of Congress. DeSantis quit Congress this year before he had to vote on VAWA’s reauthorization — and has so far refused to stand up for Florida women by saying he backs the legislation.

“Early in his first term, Ron DeSantis established himself as one of the most anti-women and extreme members of Congress by voting against the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act,” said U.S. Representative Lois Frankel. “I want to emphasize that Mr. DeSantis even went against his own party, being one of the few, extreme members to vote against the Violence Against Women Act.”

“In 2013, Ron DeSantis showed us who he was: someone who will do nothing for the women of this state and is radical enough to oppose ending the plague of domestic violence,” said State Senator Annette Taddeo.

“I was in the White House when the Violence Against Women Act became law. It is unconscionable that DeSantis would vote against protecting women’s lives, but it is consistent with his entire voting record,” said Ambassador Nancy Soderberg.

Enacted in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has been the “bedrock” of the federal government’s response to domestic violence ever since. The Act has played a critical role in saving lives and reducing domestic violence.