Violence Against Women Act (VAWA, 1994; reauthorized 2022)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (34 U.S.C. § 12291 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
VAWA was enacted to address domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, creating comprehensive legal protections, victim services, and funding for law enforcement and prevention programs.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before VAWA, protections for victims of gender-based violence were scattered and inconsistent across states. The Act created the first major federal framework.