What Is the Violence Against Women Act and How Does It Protect Survivors?
Sept. 3, 2025
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) remains one of the most significant pieces of federal legislation addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Since its original passage in 1994, the VAWA has continued to evolve, shaping how survivors receive protection and support across the United States.
At Corbaci Law, P.C., located in Woburn, Massachusetts, we have the experience to fight for the rights of individuals who have been impacted by domestic violence. Our attorneys strive to break down what the VAWA is, how it operates, and the ways it protects survivors—especially those facing domestic violence.
What Is the Violence Against Women Act?
The VAWA was passed by Congress in 1994 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It marked the first major federal legislative effort to address violence that disproportionately affects women. While its name refers specifically to women, the VAWA’s protections extend to all survivors, regardless of gender.
The law aimed to shift how the justice system treats survivors of domestic violence and related crimes. It introduced new resources and tools to help law enforcement and courts better respond to abuse. Since then, Congress has reauthorized the VAWA several times—in 2000, 2005, 2013, and most recently in 2022—each time expanding the scope and reach of its protections.
Federal Support for Local Response
The VAWA brought significant changes to how states and communities respond to domestic violence. The law allocates federal funding to support victim services and improve the criminal justice response. These funds help support local shelters, counseling programs, legal assistance, and law enforcement training.
In Massachusetts, many domestic violence service providers receive funding through VAWA grants. These organizations assist survivors with safety planning, legal representation, and access to emergency housing. This coordinated approach helps reduce barriers survivors may face when seeking help.
Criminal Justice Protections for Survivors
One of the VAWA’s core goals is to improve how the justice system handles domestic violence cases. Over time, the law has introduced provisions that directly influence arrest policies, prosecution efforts, and court procedures. Some of the key protections include:
Mandatory arrest policies for certain domestic violence incidents
Full faith and credit for protection orders issued across state lines
Support for specialized domestic violence court programs
Legal assistance funding for survivors involved in civil and criminal proceedings
Survivors benefit from a more consistent approach to prosecution and sentencing. The VAWA encourages agencies to hold offenders accountable while reducing the burden on survivors to prove violent harm.
Support for Housing and Economic Stability
Leaving an abusive partner often means more than finding safety; it can involve finding a place to live, securing income, and rebuilding independence. The VAWA addresses these challenges by including housing-related protections.
Survivors living in federally funded housing programs have the right to stay in their homes without being evicted due to the violence committed against them. Landlords in these housing programs can’t discriminate against survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.
The VAWA also supports transitional housing programs that provide survivors with a safe place to stay while they look for more permanent housing. These programs often connect people with job training, child care, and other resources aimed at long-term stability.
Immigration Protections Under the VAWA
For survivors who aren’t U.S. citizens, the fear of deportation can make it harder to leave an abusive situation. The VAWA offers certain immigration protections that allow eligible survivors to apply for legal status without relying on their abusive spouse or family member. There are two primary forms of immigration relief under the VAWA:
VAWA self-petition: Allows eligible survivors to apply for a green card independently if their abuser is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
U visa: Provides temporary legal status to survivors who’ve suffered substantial physical or mental abuse from a qualifying crime and who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution
These protections give immigrant survivors a path toward safety without being forced to stay in abusive relationships to secure their legal status.
How the VAWA Addresses Tribal and Rural Needs
The VAWA recognizes that some communities face unique challenges in accessing help. Native American women, in particular, experience high rates of domestic violence. In response, the Act includes provisions that support tribal courts and expand their jurisdiction.
The 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the VAWA restored certain rights for tribal nations, allowing them to prosecute non-Native individuals for domestic violence crimes committed on tribal lands. This was a significant shift, which closed a long-standing gap in jurisdiction that had left many cases unprosecuted.
Support for LGBTQ+ Survivors
Later versions of the VAWA expanded protections to include LGBTQ+ survivors, recognizing that domestic violence affects people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. These updates prohibit service providers from denying access based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Programs funded through the VAWA must be inclusive and provide services without discrimination. This includes shelters, legal assistance, and advocacy services. The law also funds research and training to help providers address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ survivors.
How the VAWA Intersects Massachusetts Law
Massachusetts has its own set of laws addressing domestic violence, including protections like 209A restraining orders and mandatory arrest policies for certain offenses. The VAWA complements these state laws by offering additional resources, legal options, and support services.
For example, if a survivor obtains a 209A protective order in Massachusetts, the VAWA requires that order to be recognized and enforced in every other state. This is especially helpful for survivors who need to relocate.
How Survivors Can Access the VAWA Services
The VAWA isn’t a standalone program that survivors sign up for. Instead, it supports and strengthens the services that already exist. Survivors in Massachusetts can access VAWA-supported programs through the following means:
Domestic violence shelters and hotlines
Legal aid organizations offering family law or immigration help
Victim advocates working within district attorney offices
Transitional housing programs for those fleeing abuse
While survivors don’t need to apply for “VAWA services” directly, the protections and funding behind the scenes make a difference in the quality and reach of available support.
Recent Changes in the 2022 Reauthorization
The most recent reauthorization of the VAWA in 2022 brought several important updates. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to expand protections and address gaps that impact survivors. Some of the key additions include the following:
Expansion of tribal court authority over non-Native defendants
Enhanced support for LGBTQ+ survivors
Improved access to housing and employment services
New programs focused on trauma recovery and mental health
These updates help keep the law responsive to the realities that survivors face today.
The VAWA’s Impact on Domestic Violence Prevention
The VAWA doesn’t only respond to violence; it also invests in preventing it. Many grant programs fund education and outreach efforts focused on changing harmful behaviors and promoting healthy relationships. Schools, colleges, and community groups across Massachusetts have developed programs with VAWA support to address dating violence and sexual assault. These efforts help reduce the stigma around seeking help and encourage early intervention.
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
Despite the progress made since 1994, domestic violence continues to affect millions of people each year. Survivors often face isolation, fear, and limited resources. The VAWA plays a critical role in connecting people with the support they need and holding abusive behavior accountable.
The Act’s ongoing updates reflect a commitment to adapting to the needs of survivors across various communities. Whether someone is dealing with threats at home, struggling to find housing, or applying for immigration status, the VAWA is a key part of how the United States addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
At Corbaci Law, P.C., we are committed to helping survivors stand up for their rights and safety. With offices in Woburn and Marlborough, Massachusetts, we serve clients throughout the Boston and Framingham areas. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.