Violence Against Women Act 1994Violence Against Women Act: Commemorating 15 Years
 From OVW Acting Director Catherine Pierce
As we commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, there is no better time to renew our commitment to ending gender-based violence right here in the United States and there is no better time to strengthen our partnerships.
Without a doubt, VAWA would never have happened without the steadfast commitment and work of the countless advocates, coalitions and community partners who worked tirelessly for federal legislation to mark the importance of the issue and provide vital resources. In the past 15 years, countless lives have been saved, the voices of survivors have been heard, families have been protected, and the criminal justice community has been trained on the complex responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.
Please join the Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women in commemorating 15 years of working together to end violence.
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.
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