White House adviser on violence to depart

The White House’s first adviser on violence against women is departing her post after more than five years on the job, Vice President Biden announced Friday.

Lynn Rosenthal, an advocate known for her work pushing authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, was named to the newly created position in 2009.

{mosads}In her position, she served as a senior staff member to the president and vice president, as well as the administration’s liaison to domestic assault and sexual assault advocacy organizations. She also worked with the Justice and Health and Human Services departments on domestic violence programs, and served as an administration contact point for lawmakers on the issues.

During her tenure, the Violence Against Women Act was expanded to provide additional protections to Native American and LGBT women.

“For more than 20 years she has been there — leading national organizations, building state coalitions, training new advocates, safeguarding our workplaces, and most recently, advising the president and me with her characteristic dignity and an unwavering determination,” Biden said in a statement.

“While she is leaving the White House, I know she will continue to be a passionate voice for the right of every woman — and every person — on the planet to be free from violence and abuse.”

The White House did not announce a replacement for Rosenthal.