Violence Against Women Act

The Violence Against Women Act, passed in 1994, allocated resources and funding to establish new and vital investigation and prosecution procedures to protect women from violence in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women was also created and funded under this important legislation.

On September 30th, 2018, members of congress voted against reauthorization allowing VAWA to expire, and set a temporary extension through December 7th. Concerned citizens everywhere are calling for a complete reauthorization of this necessary bill.

The VAWA is an important investment in the wellbeing of women, protecting against stalking, domestic and dating violence, and the proposed reauthorization would incorporate important new authorities in cases involving violence against immigrants and tribal members. The decision to vote against reauthorization made by members of congress has put the safety and dignity of women at stake.

ACPA aligns our mission and values around the dignity and wellbeing of our members, including those who are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. We invest in the work of advocacy, activism, community engagement and scholarship empowering women through our Coalition for Women’s Identities. We will continue listening and responding to the needs of our members and will advocating for the dignity and well-being of women everywhere.

We encourage our congressional representatives to reauthorize the VAWA and to strive to empower and support women through their legislative actions in the future.

Additional resources on this issue:

• Legal Momentum: The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, The History of the Violence Against Women Act
• ACPA Coalition for Women’s Identities