President Joe Biden recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a cornerstone of his long political career, hailing it as his proudest legislative achievement. Speaking to survivors, advocates, and allies on the South Lawn of the White House, Biden reflected on the law’s transformative impact on how America addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, and gender-based crimes. He emphasized how VAWA shifted responsibility from survivors to perpetrators, breaking a long-standing societal and legal silence surrounding these issues.
During the anniversary event, Biden announced a series of new measures aimed at curbing gender-based violence. The administration will implement policies to expand housing protections for survivors, enhance law enforcement’s ability to disarm domestic abusers, and address the growing threat of deepfake technologies used for gender-based harassment. These initiatives underscore Biden’s commitment to tackling emerging forms of abuse, especially as technology continues to evolve and contribute to new dangers for victims.
New Frontiers in Gender-Based Violence
The Justice Department added to Biden’s remarks by announcing $690 million in grant funding to combat cyber crimes such as cyber stalking and non-consensual image sharing. This investment will fund a national resource center designed to fight online harassment, a timely response to the growing prevalence of digital abuse. These efforts, along with ongoing programs, aim to provide better access to justice and resources for survivors, ensuring that gender-based violence remains a top national priority.
Attorney General Merrick Garland echoed Biden’s sentiments, asserting that domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault are no longer viewed as private issues. Instead, they are recognized as some of the most serious crimes faced by society, deserving greater attention and resources to safeguard survivors.
Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
The Violence Against Women Act has not only protected women but has also opened pathways for marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, to seek justice in cases of domestic violence and abuse. The 2022 reauthorization of VAWA included provisions to combat harassment and abuse online, a significant victory for LGBTQ+ individuals often targeted by hate crimes and cyber violence.
Biden’s administration has made clear that the fight against gender-based violence will continue to evolve, ensuring that even the most vulnerable in society, including LGBTQ+ victims, are protected from both traditional and modern forms of abuse.
