In 1994, the U.S. Congress enacted the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a comprehensive legislative package focused on violence against women. VAWA recognized the devastating consequences that violence has on women, families, and society as a whole. VAWA also acknowledged that violence against women requires specialized responses to address unique barriers that prevent victims from seeking assistance from the justice system.
The Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (VAWA 2000), enacted on October 28, 2000, improved legal tools and programs addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. VAWA 2000 reauthorized critical grant programs created by the original VAWA and subsequent legislation, established new programs, and strengthened federal laws. Among other changes and improvements, VAWA 2000 emphasized assisting immigrant victims, elderly victims, victims with disabilities, and victims of dating violence.
The Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), enacted on January 5, 2006, further improved legal tools and grant programs addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. VAWA 2005 reauthorized critical grant programs created by the original VAWA and subsequent legislation, established new programs, and strengthened federal laws. Of particular note, the statute directed new resources to help victims of sexual assault, Indian women and youth victims.
For full versions of the Violence Against Women Act, please visit OVW's page on federal legislation and resources: http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/regulations.htm
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