1. Overview of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Barbara Niess-May, SafeHouse Center Jim Schaafsma, Legal Services of South Central Michigan

2. Overview of VAWA Most recently renewed February, 2013 Began in 1994 to respond to addressing the needs of millions of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has improved our nation's response to violence. VAWA 2013 reauthorized and improved upon lifesaving services for all victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking - including Native women, immigrants, LGBT victims, college students and youth, and public housing residents. Provides critical funding and protections for survivors (locally supports assisting survivors in applying for and obtaining Personal Protection orders as well as legal advocacy and civil legal aid)

3. VAWA provisions Federal rape shield law. Community violence prevention programs Protections for victims who are evicted from their homes because of events related to domestic violence or stalking Funding for victim assistance services Programs to meet the needs of immigrant women and women of different races or ethnicities Programs and services for victims with disabilities Legal aid for survivors of domestic violence Addresses HMIS

4. Local Impacts Funding for SafeHouse Center advocacy and civil legal support from Legal Services of South Central Michigan HMIS participation Supports for district court and prosecutorial activities