RADAR ALERT: Wednesday's VAWA Senate Hearing - Say No To a Dog-and-Pony Show

The Violence Against Women Act was passed in 1994 with the laudable intention of solving the problem of domestic violence. Unfortunately the law has numerous flaws, including¹:

1. VAWA programs have been ineffective in reducing partner abuse, and in some ways have placed victims at greater risk of violence.
2. VAWA undermines basic notions of civil liberties and the presumption of innocence.
3. VAWA programs have had a disproportionate negative effect on minority and low-income populations.
4. VAWA undermines the family, escalates partner conflict, and discourages reconciliation.
5. VAWA fosters sex-based discrimination.
6. VAWA promotes half-truths, myths, and falsehoods about domestic violence.
7. VAWA encourages immigration fraud.
8. VAWA programs lack accountability and allow wasteful use of taxpayer dollars.