Protecting our children and families from harm is of the utmost importance to Melissa. When Melissa first ran for Congress she promised to pass legislation modeled on her successful state legislation that protected children from emailed Internet pornography. Melissa lived up to this promise as she introduced and passed legislation to block inappropriate emails and protect children from Internet pornography. Melissa has also been a strong advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse. She successfully fought to protect funding for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which is a major funding source for helping rebuild the lives of victims who might otherwise be turned away from shelters. Additionally, Melissa sponsored legislation that reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act, to support efforts to end violence against women.