Future of the Violence Against Women Act Remains Uncertain
Posted at 4 p.m. on Jan. 28
The Violence Against Women Act technically expired over a year ago. Suzy Khimm looks at the ramifications of the continued state of limbo on various aspects of the law.
“In reality, the protections for victims under VAWA haven’t completely gone away… the budgeting process is separate from the reauthorization and Congress has continued to appropriate money for the relevant programs, which assist victims of domestic violence by strengthening federal law enforcement and social services.”
“There are two ways in which the law’s programs could dry up. First, Congress could decide to stop funding VAWA’s programs any time after March 27, when the current Continuing Resolution expires… Second, if the law is never reauthorized, a future White House could reverse its legal protections.”
