(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Sen. Kay Hagan on Thursday applauded Senate passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.  She now encourages the House to approve the measure.

"I'm proud that my Senate colleagues have put partisanship aside to move this bill forward," said Hagan.

The legislation protects women and families from domestic violence and sexual assault. It includes Hagan's violence Against Women Health Initiative, intended to raise awareness of domestic violence among health care providers.

"This bill is vital to the protection and safety of women in North Carolina and across the country."

The reauthorization bill passed the Senate by a vote of 68 to 31 and now moves to the House for consideration.