Violence Against Women Act 17th Anniversary

September 13, 2011 marked the 17^th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA is federal legislation that designates funding to support services and enhances system responses and collaboration to address violence against women. VAWA was landmark legislation 17 years ago. Today, it is just as significant. VAWA remains vital legislation that highlights the need for specialized focus and funding for our work.  

In recognition of VAWA's anniversary, read a blog message from Susan B. Carbon, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) about the program's history and current direction.

Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization

VAWA is up for reauthorization this year.  We expect draft legislation to be introduced this month or early October. This federal legislation has been in development for several years with key stakeholders from domestic violence, sexual assault, and allied organizations.  The priorities of VAWA reauthorization as presented by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence can be viewed here.  WCSAP supports these critical components of VAWA reauthorization and we have met with our congressional representatives to advocate for their inclusion.

VAWA FUNDING Breaking News

On September 22nd, the House and Senate level funded VAWA. This is the beginning of the process.  We will keep you apprised on VAWA budgeting and policy happenings as they move through the legislative process.

Vice President Biden has been a tremendous champion of anti-violence against women efforts.  As a Senator, he authored VAWA and was instrumental in moving it through the legislature.

He has long been a strong supporter of ending violence against women. He has demonstrated not only commitment to the cause, but innovation and creative solutions to preventing violence. 

Recently, he called upon high school and college students to share their ideas on how to effectively end violence in their schools.  Click below to view video of Biden commemorating the 17th anniversary of VAWA and discussing the school focused  awareness campaign called 1 is 2 Many.

• Biden commemorates 17th Anniversary of VAWA with the 1 is 2 Many video
• Anniversary of VAWA- VP Biden Press Release

Biden will be on The View!

Vice President Biden will be the special guest on "The View" this coming Tuesday, September 27th (11 am EST).  The Vice President will focus on the threat of dating violence and sexual assault among teens and young adults.