Eric Holder, Domestic Violence Awareness, Washington D.C. 2023

Washington D.C. – In a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle against domestic violence, Attorney General Eric Holder yesterday marked the 18th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a landmark legislation aimed at curbing the scourge of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The harsh reality is that every year, countless women fall victim to these heinous crimes, leaving a trail of shattered lives and broken families in its wake. But amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope – and it lies in the tireless efforts of advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and others who have worked tirelessly to turn the tide against these crimes.

Since its inception in 1994, VAWA has made significant strides in improving our ability to address these crimes, providing victims with access to crucial services and support. However, much work remains to be done, and as Congress considers reauthorizing this critical law, Attorney General Holder urges lawmakers to come together on a bipartisan basis to strengthen and expand victim access to justice.

“VAWA has vastly improved our ability to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and has helped countless victims of these crimes get access to needed services,” Attorney General Holder said in a statement released yesterday. “It’s essential that we continue to build on this progress and ensure that victims have access to the justice and support they deserve.”

The Office on Violence Against Women, which administers VAWA programs, has played a crucial role in providing resources to states, territories, local and tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations to tackle these crimes. However, as the Attorney General noted, “none of this progress has been inevitable – it has been the result of the tireless work of advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and others.”

As the nation marks this somber anniversary, Attorney General Holder’s call to action serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against domestic violence. It is a call to action that demands our collective attention and commitment to creating a safer, more just society for all.

With the reauthorization of VAWA on the horizon, it is imperative that lawmakers put aside their differences and come together to strengthen and expand victim access to justice. The lives of countless women and families depend on it.

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