Since its lapse in 2019, the future of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has remained uncertain, despite support from key Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle. The legislative logjam surrounding VAWA was broken this week when the Act was reauthorized as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2022, which received bipartisan support.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden underscored the importance of the reauthorization of VAWA, observing, “This law broke the dam of congressional resistance and cultural resistance. And it brought this hidden epidemic out of the shadows.” Through this legislation, VAWA is reauthorized through 2027, and specific provisions of the law have been added and expanded.
The following key changes to VAWA may be of particular significance to higher education institutions:
If your institution is considering changes to its campus policies related to sexual harassment and violence prevention, please contact the Steptoe & Johnson Higher Education Team for additional information.