Events - Event View

The 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was celebrated in September in Washington, DC with several events including at the Department of Justice and the White House. It was passed in 1994, and is the legislation President Biden is most proud of accomplishing in his career. As the original author and sponsor as a Senator, Biden has remained its champion for over 3 decades. VAWA is an extensive bill that provides critical funding for services for domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. It also provides funds for legal training, law enforcement training, legal assistance, housing and other grant programs to reduce violence and support victims as they recover and heal from the trauma. Rita Smith, Boulder BPW, was executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence for over 20 years. She was involved in the passage and reauthorization of VAWA from 1994 to 2014. She attended the events at the White House and DOJ to celebrate VAWA 30th. Rita will speak on the VAWA and will also share her perspective on what impact the upcoming election will have on women's rights and safety.