📉 Large decrease in domestic violence

• The number of domestic violence cases in the US has decreased by 67 percent between 1993 and 2022.
• Rapes and sexual assaults decreased by 56 percent during the same period.
• The Violence Against Women Act has contributed to increased resources and support for women exposed to violence.

Significant reduction in gender-based violence

30 years ago, a new law was introduced in the USA that changed how the country handles gender-based violence. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994. It was the first federal law that classified domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes.

According to the White House, the number of domestic violence cases decreased by 67 percent between 1993 and 2022. During the same period, rapes and sexual assaults decreased by 56 percent.

Pamela Jacobs, CEO of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, describes VAWA as the most important legislation for addressing gender-based violence. She states that the law has helped thousands of women to live without violence through better support and services.

Increased awareness and resources

VAWA has contributed to changing how Americans talk about gender-based violence. The law has provided language and education to both survivors and policymakers. It has brought attention to crimes that previously often occurred in silence, such as domestic violence and human trafficking.

Some of the most important effects of VAWA include:

• The establishment of a national helpline for domestic violence, which receives up to 3000 calls daily.
• The first federal law against assault.
• Requirements that protection orders be valid across state lines.
• The establishment of the Office of Violence Against Women under the Department of Justice.
• Funding for forensic examinations, rape crisis centers, and police training.
• Increased social and legal services for victims, including housing and protection for immigrants.

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