Local leaders Monday called for action on the Violence Against Women Act on Monday.

In the conference, Congressman Joe Morelle, Willow Domestic Violence Center, RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, and Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York called for the re-authorization of the act.

The act funds victim assistance services like legal aid, rape crisis centers, and programs that provide emergency housing.

Willow CEO Meaghan de Chateauvieux says, “VAWA impacts our local communities in significant ways. We know that the crisis is real and that sexual violence and domestic assault is an epidemic in our community. The need is high. In Monroe County alone, it impacts thousands in all zip codes; it knows no boundaries.”

The Violence Against Women Act is set to expire on December 7.