The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Brief Description

VAWA provides resources for states and local communities to improve the criminal justice response to violence against women and to support victim services. On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013, which includes provisions that support the sovereignty of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and hold perpetrators accountable – a necessary step to reducing violence against Native women. The reauthorization of VAWA adds protections for college students; protects victims in publicly subsidized housing from evictions or denials of housing because of the violence they have experienced; and ensures that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender survivors have access to the services they need and deserve.