U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today praised Senate passage of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA), a life-saving bill that protects victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Since VAWA first passed in 1994, the incidence of domestic violence in the U.S. has decreased by 53 percent. The Senate bill strengthens and streamlines existing programs that protect women and incorporates new approaches, including Hagan’s Violence Against Women Health Initiative. “This reauthorization updates and improves VAWA to better protect women and children, and I’m pleased that it includes my provision to help health care providers treat and respond to violence and abuse," Sen Hagan said.  The bill passed by a vote of 78 to 22 and now goes to the House for a final vote.