The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is aimed at combating various forms of domestic abuse and providing protection and support for victims. Despite the name, survivors do not need to be exclusively women to qualify for protection and assistance under VAWA.
Different types of domestic abuse can qualify individuals for protection and assistance under VAWA, including the following.
Dating violence
If you were subjected to dating violence by an intimate partner, regardless of your gender, you may be eligible for the resources and support provided by VAWA. Dating violence can encompass various abusive behaviors, such as physical assault, sexual coercion, emotional manipulation and controlling behaviors, which can occur within romantic relationships or dating contexts.
Stalking
Victims of stalking can also qualify for protection and assistance under VAWA. Stalking involves a pattern of unwanted attention and harassment that causes fear to the victim. This behavior can include following someone, monitoring their activities, making unwanted contact through calls or messages or engaging in other intrusive actions that invade the victim’s privacy and sense of safety. VAWA recognizes the serious threat that stalking poses to survivors and provides avenues for legal protection and support services to help victims escape the cycle of abuse.
Sexual assault
If you suffer sexual assault at the hands of an intimate partner or someone else within the context of a domestic relationship, who is a US citizen, you may be eligible for protection and assistance under VAWA. Sexual assault encludes a range of non-consensual sexual acts, including rape, forced sexual acts, coercion and other forms of sexual violence.
Other types of domestic abuse may also qualify you for VAWA protections, and it is important to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options for seeking assistance and safety.