By Ryan Rudd 
The Justice Department recently announced an unprecedented $690 million in grant funding aimed at combating domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking across the United States. This announcement marks not only a significant financial commitment to eradicating gender-based violence but also celebrates 30 years since the inception of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
A cornerstone of federal legislation for three decades, VAWA has provided a comprehensive framework for tackling systemic violence against women through coordinated efforts among law enforcement, support services, and community agencies. “Today marks another pivotal moment in our national journey to eliminate domestic violence and sexual exploitation,” emphasized Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “With this funding, we aim to reinforce the safety nets around victims and deliver solid justice against perpetrators.”
Over $171 million will be channeled through the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, ensuring every state and territory has the resources to create robust support systems for victims. The initiative extends beyond traditional criminal justice routes, providing flexible frameworks for prevention, enforcement, and healing.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco vividly recalled the decade-long transformation spurred by VAWA since its passage in 1994, iterating that while substantial progress has been made, “our work remains unfinished; we strive forward for safer, violence-free communities for every citizen.”
The 2024 funding scope includes $40 million in transitional housing grants, aimed at offering survivors a stable environment for rebuilding their lives. These are holistic investments that recognize the unique, complex trajectories of recovery and autonomy each survivor faces. Noteworthy are the $45 million prioritized for Native American communities, fostering culturally-sensitive responses to violence endemic in Tribal settings.
Echoing VAWA’s ongoing evolutionary journey, OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo points out, “VAWA’s power lies in its adaptability; it reflects the realities of survivors, ensuring aid reaches even the most marginalized or underserved.”
New, innovative programs mark this grant cycle. Emphasis is on addressing cybercrimes with $5.5 million allocated to train law enforcement to handle the new-age threat of online harassment, such as cyberstalking and unauthorized image distribution. The launch of a $15 million restorative practices pilot represents a fresh approach scaffolding traditional criminal proceedings with survivor-centric healing pathways.
The Justice Department remains committed to these principles of empowerment, resilience, and protection, collaborating with an extensive network of stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental.
As we reflect on three decades of VAWA’s influence, these newly-announced funds pledge to continue building infrastructures that not only defend but empower survivors, with dreams tethered not to traumas, but to futures redefined by resolve.