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ABOUT THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
VAWA has changed everything for domestic violence victims who once suffered in silence. Because of VAWA, victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are now able to access services, and a new generation of families and justice system professionals has come to understand that domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are crimes that our society will not tolerate. Reauthorization and expansion of this law should be a congressional priority in 2005.
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HISTORY OF VAWA
VAWA is a critical piece of legislation. The passage of VAWA in 1994 and its reauthorization in 2000 has changed the landscape for victims who once suffered in silence. Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking have been able to access services, and a new generation of families and justice system professionals has come to understand that domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are crimes that our society will not tolerate. Reauthorization and expansion of this vital legal reform should be a congressional priority in 2005.
VAWA of 2000 expires at the end of September 2005 and the remarkable gains we’ve made in ending domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking could come to a halt if Congress does not act quickly. With the reauthorization of VAWA, Congress has a unique opportunity not only to continue successful and vital programs, but also to expand on 10 years of progress to further the safety and stability of the lives of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. |
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HOW VAWA WORKS
- The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 created new federal crimes addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking
- VAWA was reauthorized in 2000, incorporating new programs including funding for important services for immigrant, rural, disabled and older women
- In September 2005, Congress will debate the reauthorization of VAWA with the opportunity to make further improvements to continue its successful and necessary programs
- With passage of the VAWA, rates of domestic violence incidents have dropped by almost 50% and incidents of rape are down by 60%
- Intimate partners committed fewer murders in each of the 3 years (1996, 1997, and 1998) than in any other year since 1976
To learn more about Amnesty International?s Stop Violence Against Women campaign, click here.
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