Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Lincoln University Police Department
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law first enacted in 1994 to address and reduce violence against women. It has been reauthorized several times, with the latest reauthorization in 2022.
Key Provisions for Universities
- Universities must report incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in their annual security reports.
- These reports must include statistics on these crimes and outline the measures taken to prevent and respond to them.
- Institutions must adopt procedures for handling cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
- These procedures include notifying victims of their rights, options for law enforcement involvement and available support services.
- Universities are required to provide training for students and staff on preventing and responding to sexual violence.
- This includes training campus personnel in trauma-informed interview techniques to support victims effectively.
- Institutions must offer support services to victims, such as counseling, health services and academic accommodations.
- They must also inform victims about their rights and options, including obtaining protective orders.
Impact on Campus Life
Enhanced Safety: VAWA aims to create a safer campus environment by ensuring that universities take proactive measures to prevent and respond to violence.
Increased Awareness: The law mandates educational programs that raise awareness about sexual violence and promote respectful relationships.
Support for Victims: VAWA ensures that victims receive the necessary support and resources to recover and continue their education.
By complying with VAWA, universities demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.