Biden Commemorates 30 Years of the Violence Against Women Act

Biden's Legacy on Gender-Based Violence

President Biden continues to cement his political legacy during his final months in office, marking the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act at the White House. This landmark legislation has transformed the way society addresses domestic violence, providing essential protections and support to survivors of abuse.

New Measures Against Domestic Violence

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Biden is launching new measures to combat gender-based violence, including:

• Funding of $690 million from the Justice Department to support survivors.
• The establishment of the Office on Gender-Based Violence at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Initiatives to address cyberstalking and technology-facilitated abuse.

Shifting the Conversation on Domestic Abuse

Since its inception, the Violence Against Women Act has aimed to change societal attitudes towards domestic violence. Biden has emphasized that ending violence against women requires a wholesale shift in cultural perceptions. He stated, “There’s no such thing as, quote-unquote domestic violence. It’s just violence.”

The Impact of VAWA Over 30 Years

Over the past three decades, the Violence Against Women Act has introduced significant improvements in the legal framework surrounding domestic violence. Its reauthorizations have broadened protections to include dating violence and provisions for communities of color.

The Importance of Continuing the Fight

Biden's commitment to addressing violence against women stems from personal values instilled by his family. The law aims to highlight and deter the abuse of power, a commitment Biden reiterated during a public address.