Today marks the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Yesterday, AMWA was honored to attend a special briefing at the White House Executive Offices followed by celebration on the White House Lawn on Sept. 12, in advance of the landmark day. These events held special meaning for AMWA as we were one of the many organizations who advocated for the law’s passage in 1994. Speakers during the briefing included Rob Wilcox, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention who spoke about the intersection of gun violence and violence against women; Chad Maisel, Special Assistant to the President for Housing and Urban Policy, who spoke on the current challenges in the housing market, the causal relationship between gender based violence and homelessness and new protections in VAWA to address these issues, and other special White House advisors spoke about the dangers of AI, misinformation, and on-line harassment.
Also announced was a new Office of Gender-based Violence.
Following the briefing was the 30th Anniversary celebration on the White House Lawn. The event opened with a heartfelt performance by the Duke Ellington Choir and a poetry reading by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, who composed a new poem for the occasion. Other speakers included Kyle Richard, Associate Director for Men’s Engagement, It’s On Us; Nicole Matthews, Executive Director, Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition; and Ruth Glen, President of Survivor Justice Action. The final speaker was President Joe Biden. The President reflected on the past 3 decades, recalling the climate in 1990, when the idea of talking about domestic violence seemed even salacious to some. But he and others who met with victims and survivors knew that something needed to be done. We have these leaders to thank for the Violence Against Women Act, which would lead to a significant decrease in the rate domestic violence in the U.S. and ultimately a culture shift in how we approach and address domestic violence. President Biden stated that VAWA was the piece of legislation he was most proud of in his entire political career.
President Joe Biden
Dr. Eliza Chin, AMWA Exec. Dir.
Nicole Matthews, MIWSAC Exec. Dir.
VAWA has been reauthorized four times since its initial passing, each time strengthening the legislation. Through VAWA, women have been able to access vital resources to rebuild their lives. The domestic violence hotline has received 7 million calls since 1996. Over the years, the law would expand from domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to include dating violence, housing, legal and economic support, and more – each time with President Biden’s support and each time, a testament to the power of women in America.
“As healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the well-being of women and families, AMWA recognizes the critical role that comprehensive policies and robust support systems play in addressing and preventing violence,” said Dr. Eliza Chin. “We stand united with the Administration’s efforts to enhance these measures and advocate for continued progress. Together, we can work towards a future where every individual is safe, supported, and empowered to thrive free from violence and abuse.”
The 30th Anniversary event was a celebration with advocates, survivors, and policy makers — a reaffirmation of shared values, and, most importantly, a tribute to a lasting presidential legacy.
Read the President’s Proclamation on the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act
Kyle Richard, It’s On Us
Ada Limon, U.S. Poet Laureate
Ruth Glen, President Survivor Justice Action
Dr. Eliza Chin with advocates
