VAWA in 2023
VAWA in 2023
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a legislation intended to provide protections for victims of domestic or intimate partner violence - the first of its kind in the US.
Reading Time: 7 mins
For Women’s History Month, we will focus on policy topics that are unique, mighty, and game-changing for all persons, especially women. First up, VAWA - the Violence Against Women Act.
A note: this is a sensitive topic for many - please be mindful. If you are in danger, please call a local hotline, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224, or 911 if it is safe to do so.
The likelihood that each of us knows someone who is a victim of domestic violence is fairly high. Per the National Network to End Domestic Violence
1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men are victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner
2 in 5 female homicide victims were killed by an intimate partner
1 in 4 gay men and 1 in 3 lesbians experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime
What is VAWA?
VAWA was first enacted in 1994 - sponsored by then-Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). It passed Congress with bipartisan support in 1994, signed into law by President Clinton. This Act required re-authorization every few years by way of passage through Congress.
Contrary to the name, VAWA is applicable to persons beyond those who identify as women. In 2019, VAWA was expanded further to provide provisions for LGBTQ+ persons, Native Americans, and undocumented immigrants.
What does VAWA cover?
Investigation/prosecution of violent crimes against women
Imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted
Offered civil redress in cases prosecutors chose to leave un-prosecuted
Established the Office on Violence Against Women within the Department of Justice
Limited visas for undocumented immigrants who are victims of domestic violence
Expanded protections for victims who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community
Funds for victims of intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships
Provisions strengthening Native American courts
Provisions to fight human and sex trafficking
Housing rights for victims of domestic and intimate partner violence
Enhanced information that colleges and universities must share with the federal government about gender-based crimes
When was it last reauthorized?
The last reauthorization occurred in 2022 by a thin margin. The 2022 reauthorization increased VAWA funding to $700 million, the highest funding level in history. It is reauthorized until 2027.
What is the update this week?
President Biden’s Budget proposal was released this week and it makes specific mention of ending gender-based violence.
The Budget proposes $1 billion to support implementation of programs through the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), which was recently reauthorized and strengthened in 2022. This is a $300 million or 43-percent increase over the 2023 enacted level, which was the highest funding level in history. The Budget funds new VAWA programs to address online abuse, and provides substantial increases for longstanding VAWA programs, including key investments in legal assistance for victims, transitional housing, and sexual assault services. In addition, the Budget provides $120 million, an increase of $65 million above the 2023 enacted level, to the Office of Justice Programs for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative to address the rape kit backlog, and for the Regional Sexual Assault Investigative Training Academies Program.
Final Thoughts
VAWA has improved the path for domestic and intimate partner violence victims. It is one of the legislations that make you wonder how society went through decades without protections for victims. Yet, it also illustrates the promise that policymakers can and must continue to explore ways in which to protect victims of bias, discrimination, and violence.
If you are in danger, please call a local hotline, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224, or 911 if it is safe to do so.
Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture, or wealth.
As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development, and peace.
- Kofi Anan
More resources: Excellent Podcast episode on VAWA History by Throughline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Department of Justice Press Release