We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
Initially passed in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) created the first U.S. federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes, and provided federal resources to encourage community-coordinated responses to combating violence. VAWA was reauthorized by Congress in 2000, and again in December 2005. The latest 2012 renewal met with resistance, but 500 days after VAWA had expired, the House voted to reauthorize the bill and President Obama signed it into law on March 7, 2013.
