Amidst all the issues being hotly debated down to the wire in and around our federal legislaturate at last year’s end, one that was overshadowed was the looming expiration of the Violence Against Women Act.

The Senate passed an expansive reauthorizing bill last spring. But the House of Representatives rejected it for a narrower version … that didn’t leave the House in time to become law in any event.

Resulting in federal financial support for domestic violence services to victims dwindling.

Particularly impacted are self-reported victims of domestic violence who are immigrants. native Americans and members of the lesbian / gay / bisexual / transgender population.

Congress is expected to resuscitate the Violence Against Women Act this month.

Read more in this Jacksonville Florida Star article: Violence Against Women Act Expires Nationwide and this CNN article: Backers hope to revive Violence Against Women Act.