Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco delivered remarks on September 13, 2024, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The event highlighted the critical work done by leaders, advocates, and survivors in addressing gender-based violence.
Monaco expressed gratitude for the contributions of Department alumnae and emphasized the importance of VAWA. She recounted her early involvement with VAWA as a young staffer on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where President Biden led efforts to pass the legislation.
The original VAWA aimed to change attitudes toward gender-based violence and address failures in the criminal justice system. Monaco described her experience working on a report that documented a week in the life of women in America, exposing widespread violence and systemic issues such as repeat offenders and ineffective protective orders.
Statistics from that time indicated significant shortcomings: "98% of rape survivors never saw their attacker caught, tried, and imprisoned; Fewer than half of people arrested for rape were convicted; and Almost half of convicted rapists could expect to serve a year or less in jail."
The enactment of VAWA in 1994 marked a pivotal change. It provided legal protection and resources for survivors, empowered federal law enforcement to pursue perpetrators across state lines, enforced protection orders nationwide, closed legal loopholes regarding consent between federal officers and detainees, offered relief for battered immigrants, and established the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Monaco acknowledged that these advancements resulted from years of dedicated advocacy by survivors and supporters who built a nationwide movement. She thanked those who had been instrumental since long before VAWA's inception.
Today, VAWA's programs receive unprecedented funding levels, offering more services such as transitional housing and legal support for survivors. Additional resources help law enforcement respond effectively while keeping firearms out of domestic abusers' hands. The Department is also addressing emerging threats like deep fake images fueled by AI through new initiatives such as the National Resource Center on Cybercrimes.
Monaco concluded by reflecting on how her work with women lawyers on VAWA inspired her career path into law and public service. She expressed gratitude towards key figures who influenced her journey: Cynthia Hogan, Victoria Nourse, Demetra Lambros, and Cathy Russell.
Recognizing ongoing challenges, Monaco stressed that progress against gender-based violence is continuous. The legacy of VAWA lies in the courage and voices of victims who made it possible and future efforts to create a safer world for women.