John Suthers, the Colorado Attorney General, recently joined his colleagues in 52 other U.S. states and territories in signing a letter that urged Congress to reauthorize the federal Violence Against Women Act, a law that provides funding to state and local enforcement of domestic violence laws. The attorneys general cited the law's role in reducing incidents of domestic violence by more than 50 percent since its passage in 1994, and added that there is more to do to protect women against abuse.

The Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, was passed to deal with domestic violence as well as sexual violence and stalking. The number of those type incidents has dropped significantly across the country. But certain categories have not followed the trend.

For example, women aged 16-24 have a high rate of being the victims of domestic violence. Teens often have a tolerant attitude toward abuse in romantic relationship, which can lead to a vicious cycle of abuse as adults. The letter from the attorneys general suggested an initiative to combat abuse of teens and young women.

Another proposed initiative involved improved training for professionals who interact with those going through domestic violence. The training would be meant to prevent homicides in abusive relationships. Such homicides are considered predictable if there are certain warning signs present.

Congress first passed VAWA in 1994. It was renewed in 2000 and again in 2006, and is up for renewal again this year.

Besides Colorado, other AGs from the region who joined in the letter include Wyoming, Utah and Oklahoma.

Source: KMVT-TV, "Attorney General on Violence Against Women Act," Jan. 11, 2012