Soft rock singer Michael Bolton speaks at rally to reauthorize the Violence Against Women’s Act. Social workers were part of the crowd. Photo courtesy of the Washington Post.

Some social workers and others joined Grammy award-winning singer Michael Bolton this week to push for reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The Capitol Hill rally was covered in this Washington Post column.

The National Association of Social Workers supports VAWA, which strengthens prosecution of domestic abuse and provides funding for shelters and advocacy groups. According to the Post article the legislation is being held up by new provisions for immigrants and same-sex couples.

Bolton, whose No. 1 hits include “When a Man Loves a Woman,” has long been an advocate for victims of domestic violence. At the rally he criticized 31 senators who oppose the legislation.

“Why are they not willing to help immigrant, native women, and GLBT victims of domestic violence and sexual assault?,” he said.

Social workers work to empower victims of domestic violence and help perpetrators stop abusing. To learn more, visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Domestic Violence – How Social Workers Help webpage by clicking here. NASW member Tricia Bent-Goodley, PhD, LICSW, is also one of the leading experts in the nation on domestic violence. You can learn more about her latest book, “The Ultimate Betrayal: A Renewed Look at Intimate Partner Violence,” by clicking here.