The Violence Against Women Act of 1998

Women’s advocates have begun to draft the Violence Against Women Act of 1998, known familiarly as VAWA II, which they hope to introduce in Congress early in 1998. This is an opportunity for women, service providers, and advocates concerned about violence against women to have input into the legislative process before the legislation is introduced.

The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) was enacted as Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and was signed into law by President Clinton on September 13, 1994. VAWA provides for improved prevention and prosecution of violent crimes against women and children, including protections for battered immigrant women and children, and the creation of a new legal remedy for certain victims of violent crimes motivated by gender. This landmark piece of legislation has had positive impact on women’s lives.

Additional issues need to be addressed through legislation. Areas identified thus far for inclusion in VAWA II are the prevention of sexual misconduct in prisons; protection from sexual predators; reduction of violent crimes against women on campuses; rape prevention education; hate crimes prevention; a range of domestic violence issues (e.g., housing assistance for victims, insurance protection, grants for community initiatives); limiting the effects of domestic violence on children (e.g., supervised child visitation centers, creation of a presumption in favor of awarding custody to the nonviolent parent, reauthorization of funds for the education and training on domestic violence for judges and court personnel, guardian ad litem and child protective workers); workplace safety (e.g., victim’s employment nondiscrimination, battered women’s employment protection); and issues relating to child abuse.

If you have ideas about what should be in VAWA II and would like more information about how to get involved in this process, call Wendy Pollack at 312.263.3830 ext. 238.