Domestic violence can be physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional, and often involves intimidation or economic deprivation. It occurs in all cultures and touches people of all races, ethnicities, and religions. In 1994, Congress passed The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), legislatively validating that violence against women is a national crisis, and combating it effectively is a national priority. In 2013, President Obama updated VAWA by authorizing improved services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking to be more inclusive of Native American women, immigrants, LGBTQ victims, college students, and public housing residents.
Despite these legislative accomplishments, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) recognizes that sexual assault and domestic violence continue to be cultural impediments in our homes, in our schools, and on our school campuses. Part of CWLC’s mission is to ensure that women and children have access to resources to help protect and overcome violence, including creating innovative programs to raise awareness, while bringing justice and expanded services to victims of domestic violence.
CWLC is committed to our ongoing fight for equality by ending discrimination and eradicating violence toward women of all identities and backgrounds.
To learn more about CWLC’s work on sexual violence and harassment in schools, please click here.