U.S. Department
of Justice
Violence Against Women Act
In 1994, Congress passed the first Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in response to those who testified and wrote letters urging lawmakers to improve legal protections and increase access to services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims to survive the harm perpetrated against them and hold offenders accountable. Established in 1995, OVW administers programs authorized by VAWA and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As Congress subsequently reauthorized VAWA in 2000, 2005, 2013, and 2022, it revised its policies and expanded grant funding streams.
See the original legislation passed in 1994, as well as subsequent reauthorizations.
We produce biannual reports on the effectiveness of grant programs, as well as additional reports specific to some programs.
For more information about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Find Your Local Resources
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The Office on Violence Against Women does not provide services directly to the general public. To find help, see our state-by-state guide to see who serves your area, or you can find the number to a national hotline.
