The Legislative Process

Learn about the legislative and budget process, and how it impacts the people we serve.

Women Against Abuse works with our legislative bodies at the city, state and federal level on policies that support survivors of domestic violence. These legislative bodies are responsible for introducing various legislation that, if passed, becomes law and governs our day-to-day lives.

In addition to laws, our legislative bodies identify funding each year to accomplish the laws they have passed.

The funding that is provided through these bodies enables programs like Women Against Abuse and others to continue to provide quality services to people who are experiencing domestic violence.

Therefore, Women Against Abuse, Inc. plays a crucial role in providing input, guidance, and leadership in legislative matters concerning domestic violence. We participate throughout the legislative process to ensure our elected officials are making decisions that create strong protections for survivors and hold perpetrators of domestic violence accountable.

The Public Policy team works diligently to be an effective liaison between our elected officials, and the clients and community of Women Against Abuse. Throughout the process there are many opportunities for you to get involved and allow your voice to be heard. By following our Advocacy Alerts, attending our Advocacy Days in Harrisburg, and writing and calling your elected officials, you can help us protect survivors of domestic violence.

Check out our resources below to find out more information on the legislative process and how to get involved!

Breakdown of PA's Legislative Process

Detailed version of how a bill becomes a law

School House Rock- "How a Bill Becomes a Law"

Get involved!

To contact your elected official about issues related to domestic violence, visit our Take Action page!

Waa-walk-11
Jamie thumbnail

Jamie's Story

Jamie shared her story at the 2019 iPledge Campaign press conference.

Read Full Story
Untitled design 11

Candace's Story

When people consider domestic violence (DV), they often think of the adult victim/survivor. But what about the children who have seen or experienced the abuse; the boys, girls and young adults who have been afraid in their own home? Candace, who worked as a therapist at Women Against Abuse, witnessed her mother being abused for many years, is choosing to share her story to shine a light on this little told aspect of DV. These are her words.

Read Full Story
Lonnie

Lonnie & Jordan’s Story

The life-saving work that Women Against Abuse achieves each day would not be possible without the support of advocates in the community.

Read Full Story
William-spratley

William’s Story

William Spratley flicks through the text messages on his phone until he finds the one he’s been looking for. It’s from his 27-year old daughter, Ameya, and it’s the last words he will ever exchange with her.

Read Full Story
Doreen-davis

Doreen Davis’ Story

Doreen Davis is a longtime supporter of Women Against Abuse who has used her expertise in traditional labor law to assist WAA for over two decades.

Read Full Story
Beth_Huffman_headshot_for_website_300x300

Beth Huffman's Story

When a survivor's child was in trouble, Beth Huffman helped organize a press conference to get the story out on behalf of Women Against Abuse's Legal Center.

Read Full Story
Th-catherine

Catherine’s Story

When I first met my abuser, I was just 14 years old and he was 20. I thought I was in love, so I ignored the disapproval of my mom and sister.

Read Full Story
DOUG-S2

Doug Schoenberg’s Story

Doug Schoenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of SofterWare, Inc., recently provided a challenge match through the Schoenberg Family Charitable Fund as an incentive to help Women Against Abuse gain new monthly donors.

Read Full Story
Tamika 3

La Historia de Tamika

Tenía 23 años, era madre soltera y estaba embarazada de mi segunda hija. Mi prometido tenía problemas con el consumo de alcohol y recibí muchos golpes y moretones hasta que nació nuestra hija. Me di cuenta de que si no me iba, mis hijas no me verían como una persona fuerte.

Read Full Story
Untitled design 30

Natalie's New Beginning

Entering the Women Against Abuse safe haven – really leaving for good – was the culmination of 10 years of relationship abuse; more arguments, threats and sleepless nights than Natalie* could count. They had children together, shared a life together, depended on each other financially. It wasn’t easy to break things off.

Read Full Story

If you or someone you know needs help, call our toll-free 24-hour Hotline:

1.866.723.3014

Sign up for Action Alerts, Updates & Newsletters!