Revised Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Passed

Finally this important act was passed and signed yesterday by President Obama. It went through rough waters, late last year, when Congress would not agree with certain issues.

Photo: National Center on
Domestic and Sexual Violence

This Act was supposed to have been passed last year by Congress. The new, expanded VAWA law, will cover women involved in domestic violence, as it has in the past. But it will also cover domestic violence to gay, lesbian and transgender victims, as well. Native Americans and undocumented immigrants will also be added.

The initial VAWA was the work of Joe Biden, back in 1994 and it also helps fund rape crisis centers around the country. The much needed expansion of the Act, will also cover related crimes, such as dating violence and stalking crimes.

The signing ceremony of the new act yesterday, included President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Congress members, organizations for women, Native American leaders, law enforcement groups and of course, some survivors of domestic violence.