Bill Overview
Title: Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2027 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal criminal laws, and establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking
Estimated Size: 110000000
- The bill affects victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, who are the primary beneficiaries of the protections and programs reauthorized and established by this legislation.
- It also indirectly impacts perpetrators of such violence, as it includes changes to federal criminal laws which could lead to different legal outcomes for these individuals.
- Service providers and organizations that receive funding through the programs reauthorized by this act will also be impacted.
- The family members and communities of victims can be indirectly impacted through improved support systems and reduced violence.
- Economically, this bill aims to improve housing stability and economic security for victims, thus impacting landlords, employers, and local economies.
Reasoning
- The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) primarily targets individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. This includes both direct and indirect effects on victims, their families, perpetrators, and service providers.
- Considering the budget allocations, the bill is designed to appropriately fund a wide array of services across different regions, with a focus on increasing support availability and enhancing protections for victims. The policy should lead to a noticeable increase in wellbeing scores among victims and those within their immediate support networks.
- Many people may notice changes due to increased program availability, though the full effects of such large-scale policy changes may take several years to fully realize due to the gradual nature of societal change and the time required for new programs to reach full efficacy.
- While the policy primarily targets victims and direct beneficiaries, it also indirectly affects the general population, including taxpayers, landlords, housing officials, and community members who see increased stability and safety as a result of the policy's implementation.
- The policy is expected to have varying levels of impact depending on a person's current situation - those in urgently high-risk environments will see more benefit compared to those who indirectly benefit from societal changes driven by these programs.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization of VAWA means more resources for shelters and community support groups, which is critical.
- As a survivor, I feel safer knowing that there are laws protecting my housing stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Restaurant Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about stricter laws, but I understand their necessity.
- I've learned a lot through counseling and see how this policy could help others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Student (New York, NY)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The continuation of VAWA funding is life-saving for people like me.
- It provides access to therapy which I couldn't afford otherwise.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Social Worker (Dallas, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will enhance the support networks crucial for victims.
- With more funding, we can expand our reach and help more people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Remote village in Montana)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I haven't been personally affected, but I support its important work.
- Living in a rural area, I've seen neighbors benefit from increased awareness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The continued support is empowering.
- Programs make sure resources are available for those in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Barista (Portland, OR)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The updated policy can help people like me feel safer in relationships.
- I'm hopeful these protections will lead to less stigma and more support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Lawyer (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With this policy, we can keep bolstering legal defenses for victims.
- The reauthorization is necessary for ongoing legal support systems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Stay-at-home mom (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more awareness programs ensures safety for future generations.
- The policy's community focus is a great strength.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Landlord (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support policies that provide housing stability.
- These protections make my job easier as a landlord as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $515000000 (Low: $410000000, High: $620000000)
Year 3: $530000000 (Low: $420000000, High: $640000000)
Year 5: $560000000 (Low: $440000000, High: $680000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- This policy addresses a significant public health and safety issue affecting millions.
- The funding mechanisms and efficiency of newly established programs will greatly influence long-term costs and savings.
- Inter-agency collaboration will be necessary to maximize the effectiveness of implemented changes and new initiatives.