NAACP Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 13, 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed into law, forging a national commitment to keep every American safe. At a time when many considered domestic abuse to be a private family matter and victims were left to suffer in silence, this law enshrined a simple promise: every American should be able to pursue a measure of happiness free from the fear of harm.

From Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO:

“Since it was first enacted in 1994 with strong NAACP support, the Violence Against Women Act has helped thousands of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across our country, and has been instrumental in reducing annual rates of domestic violence. Twenty years after the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, we have come a long way, but there is still much work to do. The NAACP will continue working with the Obama Administration to enforce these continued protections, especially for women of color, who experience the highest reported rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in the country. We commend Vice President Joe Biden for his tireless leadership on this issue.”

From Hilary O. Shelton, Sr. Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, Washington Bureau Director:

“Twenty years ago, the NAACP worked very closely with then Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Biden to address the scourge of violence against women in the United States. Because of our work with now Vice President Biden, we have reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act three times to help ensure that women of all races and ethnicities throughout the country receive the equal protection our Constitution guarantees. Because of this historic piece of legislation, we now have a permanent office in the Department of Justice that helps not only implement the crucial provisions of the law, but also oversees programs specifically created to help end an epidemic of violence that has in all too many cases resulted in death. The NAACP looks forward to its continued partnership with Vice President Biden and the Department of Justice to help achieve the Violence Against Women Act’s full implementation.”