What is it about?
Based on our analysis of research evaluating the impact and people who can access services for victims of sexual exploitation, we conclude that many funded programs emphasize reporting to law enforcement and participating in the criminal justice process. Few victims of sexual exploitation choose to report and have other needs more pressing for the recovery. Yet, a vast disproportion of VAWA funds are spent to finance the justice system with little to show that the expenditures are effective deterrence by holding offenders accountable. We recommend a model of services that are community based and informed by a broad array of victim needs.
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Why is it important?
We critique VAWA and offer constructive directions in a time of shrinking resources, funds should be directed towards services that are documented to be effective and result in victims feeling their justice needs have been met. VAWA is up for re-authorization in 2028. That seems a long time away, but it isn't too soon to begin to build alliances, hone a message, and begin to contact policymakers and legislators.
Perspectives
We have been doing research in this area for a long time and one of us testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of the first VAWA passed in 1994. We believe evidence suggested that results have fallen short of our hopes and those of millions of victims. Our patience has run out. It is time to center discussions on their needs and fund new approaches outside criminal justice that foster long-term health.
Mary Koss
University of Arizona
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Using research to recalibrate the Violence Against Women Act initiatives for sexual exploitation response., Psychology of Violence, November 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/vio0000559.
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